December 29, 2013
Tawhiwhirangi, O’Sullivan up for NZ’er of the year
Maori Television attacks on Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi’s stewardship of a Kohanga Reo National Trust subsidiary came too late to stop the educationalist making the shortlist for New Zealander of the year.
Nominations for the Kiwibank-sponsored awards closed in September, meaning teenage golf sensation Lydia Ko and Man Booker prize winning novelist Eleanor Catton were among the end of year newsmakers to miss out.
But Dame Iritana, who is awaiting the outcome of several investigations into spending at kohanga reo prompted by allegations on the Native Affairs programme, will be considered for the prize alongside the likes of All Blacks rugby captain Richie McCaw, ousted Christchurch mayor Bob Parker and outspoken Kaitaia GP Lance O'Sullivan.
Last year’s winner was Dame Anne Salmond. The awards will be presented on February 26.
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