March 31, 2021
Dr Siouxsie Wiles MNZM named 2021 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa
Media Release: Renowned microbiologist and science communicator Dr Siouxsie Wiles MNZM has been named 2021 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa.
Dr Siouxsie Wiles received the award from the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Jacinda Ardern, and was presented the Kiwibank kaitaka huaki cloak, Pouhine, by 2020 New Zealander of the Year Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand at a Gala Dinner at the Cordis, Auckland on Wednesday 31 March.
The 2021 finalists for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year category included Farid Ahmed, Muslim community leader who has become an icon of forgiveness following the 15 March terror attacks, and Ranjna Patel ONZM, QSM, JP, Founder and Director of Tāmaki Health and domestic violence prevention campaigner.
When COVID-19 first hit New Zealand, Dr Siouxsie Wiles rose to the challenge. Joining forces with Spinoff cartoonist Toby Morris, she worked tirelessly to make the science of the pandemic clear and understandable. In the face of considerable criticism on her authority, on her appearance, on her gender – Siouxsie’s continued to respond to one of the greatest challenges of our time with empathy, innovation and courage, and her work has been seen by millions and even used by governments and organisations as part of their official pandemic communications.
Siouxsie heads up the Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab at the University of Auckland where she and her team make bacteria glow in the dark to understand how infectious microbes make us sick, and to find new antibiotics. She is passionate about demystifying science and has won numerous prizes for her efforts.
Miriama Kamo, Te Koruru – Patron of the Awards, says: “The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa celebrate people who use their passion to make our country a better place, and Dr Siouxsie Wiles undeniably fits the bill.
While New Zealand collectively locked down, she stepped up – helping millions globally see past the fear and complexities of the pandemic. Her work provided support, strength and clarity across New Zealand and beyond, representing our country on a world stage and helping to keep us safe.
Outside of the pandemic, she is a passionate and influential leader in her industry. Her willingness to break down barriers has opened doors for women in science, and her pioneering work in bioluminescence is redefining modern medicine.”
The remarkable New Zealanders honoured across five categories for 2021 are:
University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Te Mātātahi o te Tau
Jazz Thornton: Co-founder of Voices of Hope and mental health advocate (Auckland)
Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau
Dr Doug Wilson: Medical academic and author (Taupō)
Trade Me New Zealand Innovator of the Year Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau
Ranjna Patel ONZM, QSM, JP: Founder and Director of Tāmaki Health and domestic violence prevention campaigner (Auckland)
Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau
Christchurch Mosque Victims Group: Supporting people and victims affected by the Christchurch Mosque attacks (Christchurch)
Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Te Pou Toko o te Tau
Shannon Te Huia: Environmental Engineer at Waka Huia Limited and Founder of Pūniu River Care (Waikato)
For more information on the 2021 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o
Aotearoa winners please visit www.nzawards.org.nz.
ENDS
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Background
The annual Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards are in their 12th year. The Awards celebrate and honour extraordinary Kiwi from all walks of life; those who inspire, give hope and lead across the six different Award categories.
The Awards Office received a record number of nominations in 2020 that were rigorously evaluated by at least two rounds of independent and diverse judging panels.
- Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa honours the achievements and contributions of an inspirational Kiwi who has made a big, positive contribution to our country this year. Their pursuit of excellence can be in any area; science, business, the arts, cultural or community involvement, te Ao Māori, sport, education, and health. Their achievements have positive effects on how we feel about our nation and ourselves.
Previous winners of the New Zealander of the Year Award are: Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand (2020), Mike King (2019), Kristine Bartlett (2018), Taika Waititi (2017), Richie McCaw (2016), Sir Stephen Tindall (2015), Dr Lance O’Sullivan (2014), Dame Anne Salmond (2013), Sir Richard Taylor (2012), Sir Paul Callaghan (2011) and Sir Ray Avery (2010).
- Trade Me New Zealand Innovator of the Year Award Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau recognises a person or group who, in the spirit of Kiwi inventiveness and resourcefulness, have created a better New Zealand.
- Mitre 10 Community of the Year Award Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau recognises a rōpū – group of people that together have made an outstanding difference to their community this year. They foster a strong sense of Kotahitanga – community spirit and their achievements enhance the social, economic, cultural or environmental prosperity of their rohe – region making it stronger and more vibrant.
- University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Award Te Mātātahi o te Tau recognises a young person brimming with the potential to bring about change and produce a bright future for Aotearoa, striving across the last year to improve themselves and their whole community.
- Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Award Te Mātātahi o te Tau recognises those who have made a positive contribution to our great nation later in their life. This award gives New Zealanders of all ages the opportunity to express their appreciation and admiration for the achievements of our Senior New Zealander’s over the past year.
- Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Te Pou Toko o te Tau recognises everyday people doing extraordinary things in their local hapori – communities over the past year. This award acknowledges the enormous contribution, sacrifice and commitment of kiwi who have selflessly worked to make their local hapori a better place.
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