Meet our 2026 New Zealander of the Year winner
Sir Rod Drury
A pioneering technology entrepreneur and investor Sir Rod Drury has helped shape Aotearoa (New Zealand's) tech sector. Through innovation, mentorship and venture philanthropy, he continues to support future‑focused growth and public‑good initiatives that benefit Kiwi.
Read more about Sir Rod Drury at nzawards.org.nz.
Some of our previous Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year winners
Professor Bev Lawton ONZM: 2025 New Zealander of the Year
Professor Bev Lawton ONZM (Ngāti Porou) is a pioneering force in women’s health in Aotearoa. As the founder and director of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine (National Centre for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa), she has driven critical advancements in cervical cancer screening, maternal health and indigenous health equity.
Dr Jim Salinger CRSNZ: 2024 New Zealander of the Year
Recognised as the first climate scientist to address global warming, Jim was a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on climate change, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. Today, he remains an advocate for environmental responsibility, working to unite New Zealanders across generations for positive change.
Professor Rangi Mātāmua: 2023 New Zealander of the Year
In 2022, Professor Rangi Mātāmua became known as “the man behind Matariki” – appointed as chief advisor to the government on the Māori New Year.
Tā Tipene O'Regan: 2022 New Zealander of the Year
Tā Tipene O'Regan is known for his work in Ngāi Tahu’s Treaty Settlement, as an educator and as a public figure whose life has been dedicated to building an inclusive, bicultural nation.
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New Zealander of the year
The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards has eight award categories and we sponsor the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award.
This award honours individuals who’ve made outstanding contributions to the wellbeing of our country. Their pursuit of excellence could be in the areas of science, business, the arts, cultural or community involvement, sport, education or health.
Inspiring, passionate, and hard-working – these are the people that make us proud to call New Zealand home.
More about inspirational Kiwi
Learn more about the journey of previous Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year nominees and winners who’ve achieved extraordinary things and made a positive difference to the lives of others.