Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards

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.

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.

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 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.