January 28, 2020
Reo advocate up for NZer of the Year
Actor and te reo Māori advocate Jennifer Ward-Lealand 'Te Atamira' has made the final three in the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year award.
She’s up against Rocketlab founder Peter Beck and neonatologist Professor Jane Harding, one of the world’s foremost experts on child and fetal health and development.
Chief judge Cameron Bennett says Ward-Lealand has tirelessly championed for stronger representation of te reo Māori me ngā tikanga.
She has also fought to improve the workplace conditions and rights of performing arts professionals.
A total of 969 nominations were received in the various categories, which also include young New Zealander, senior New Zealander, innovator and local hero.
The winner will be announced at a gala event in Auckland on February 20.
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