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One of the nominees for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year wants the award to go to one of the younger contenders.
Maori educationalist Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi made the shortlist alongside Kaitaia general practioner Lance O'Sullivan and Catriona Williams, the founder of Masterton's CatWalk Spinal Cord Trust.
The former Kohanga Reo National Trust chair says she's already had a lifetime of awards, and getting nominated for another at 85 seems over the top.
"I'm thrilled to pieces that Lance O'Sullivan is one of the people. I just think he's stunning and also Catriona who I've met and had time with. They are younger people who've got their lives ahead who are already already giving huge huge commitment to New Zealand's well-being. And I just think we need to recognise the younger ones because they are the ones that are going to be here – I'm gone tomorrow," Dame Iritana says.
The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award will be presented in Auckland on February 26.
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