December 29, 2017
Conscience and courage earn award nominations
Comedian Mike King has been nominated for New Zealander of the Year for his work on suicide and mental health issues.
Also in the 10-strong list of nominees is equal pay campaigner Kristine Bartlett, former Women’s Refuge head Heather Henare, scientist Mike Joy, yachtsman Grant Dalton, microbiologist and science
communicator Siouxsie Wiles, fashion designer Annah Stretton, Christchurch Charity Hospital founder Philip Bagshaw, anti-domestic violence campaigner Lesley Elliott, and computer engineer Mahsa Mohaghegh, founder of the women’s networking group She Sharp (She#).
Judging panel head Cameron Bennett says they are 10 voices of conscience, courage and commitment who put their words into action and make a positive difference for all New Zealanders.
Nominees in other categories of the Kiwibank-sponsored awards include justice reform advocate Kim Workman in the seniors’ section, Waipoua Forest-based Te Iwi o Te Roroa in the community category, Animation Research founder Ian Taylor for innovator for innovator of the year, and in the community hero section, Kaitaia’s Ricky Houghton, Flaxmere stalwart Pamela Anne O’Keefe, and south Auckland boxer and health advocate David Letele.
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