February 27, 2026

#national: Finalists Announced for 2026 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards

Matthew Tukaki Posted On February 27, 2026

Finalists across seven categories have been named for the 2026 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa, with winners set to be announced at a gala event in Tāmaki Makaurau on 19 March.

From thousands of public nominations, an independent Executive Judging Panel selected three finalists in each category, recognising individuals and organisations whose leadership, service and innovation are shaping a stronger Aotearoa.

Te Koruru Patron of the awards, Miriama Kamo, says the 2026 finalists reflect purpose-driven leadership, courage and compassion across communities nationwide.

In the premier category, the finalists for Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa are Dame Julie Chapman of Auckland, Sir Richard Faull of Auckland, and Sir Rod Drury of Ōtākou.

Dame Julie Chapman is recognised for founding KidsCan and Pet Refuge, creating life-saving support pathways for vulnerable children and pets. Sir Richard Faull, of Te Āti Awa descent, is acknowledged for groundbreaking contributions to neuroscience and global brain research. Sir Rod Drury, of Ngāi Tahu descent, is honoured for his entrepreneurial leadership and for shaping Aotearoa’s technology sector through the founding of Xero.

In the Go Media Young New Zealander of the Year category, finalists include Harlem-Cruz Ihaia of Hawke’s Bay, Léon Bristow of Auckland and Lucy Blakiston of Marlborough. Their work spans Māori-led leadership initiatives, creative industry inclusion and youth engagement with global issues.

The Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year finalists are Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr, Dame Claudia Orange, and Stewart Bull of Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe and Waitaha descent. The nominees are recognised for lifelong service, including international medical missions, leadership in Te Tiriti scholarship and conservation stewardship.

For the 2degrees New Zealand Innovator of the Year award, finalists include Craig Piggott of Halter, James Hayes of Virtual Medical Coaching, and Zincovery co-founders Jonathan Ring and Leatham Landon-Lane. Their innovations span agritech, medical education and world-first zinc recycling technology.

The New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year category now carries naming rights sponsorship from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, highlighting environmental leadership. Finalists include Mike Casey of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, conservation leaders Russel and Teresa Trow of Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe and Kāi Tahu, and Valerie Marie Ngaoa Teraitua of Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae.

In the Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year category, finalists are Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod, Māhera Maihi of Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua and Muriwhenua, and Senior Constable Terri Middleton, each recognised for transformative impact in language revitalisation, homelessness advocacy and youth safety.

The Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year finalists are Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay, Rei Kōtuku Charitable Trust Children’s Palliative Care Service, and the Safeguarding Children Initiative, representing decades of inclusive care, bereavement support and child protection advocacy.

The awards programme continues to grow in scale and significance, supported by sponsors including Kiwibank, Mitre 10, Ryman Healthcare, 2degrees, Tower, Go Media and Fisher Funds.

With 2026 marking another milestone year for Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa, organisers say the finalists reflect the depth of leadership across the motu, from community-level advocacy to global innovation.

Winners across all categories will be announced at the awards gala in Auckland on 19 March 2026, celebrating individuals and communities whose mahi continues to strengthen Aotearoa’s future.