Wellingtonian of the Year Winner's influence widespread
Thursday, 14 November 2013
A lifetime of influence has seen a community and business leader win the 2013 Wellingtonian of the Year award.
Suzanne Snively, a company director and economist, emerged from a strong list of category winners at The Dominion Post-sponsored awards, including top basketballer Steven Adams and film-maker Jane Campion.
Ms Snively is a former partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Wellington and a director of several organisations, including the Health Research Council, Transparency International and the New Zealand Opera.
In 2005 she was awarded an ONZM for services to women and business.
At last night's awards at Te Papa in Wellington, Ms Snively also won the Community Service category for work that included chairing Mary Potter Hospice's widening provision of palliative care.
In 1992, she put the estimated economic cost of domestic violence at between $1.2 billion and $5.8b a year. In today's figures, that would be up to $8b.
For 25 years, deserving Wellingtonians have been recognised for their contributions to the city at the annual awards.
Dominion Post editor Bernadette Courtney said she was in awe of the commitment and passion to Wellington shown by the finalists and award winners.
'These awards are for Wellington and about the people who make Wellington so special,' she said. 'That we are celebrating our 25th year of the awards is a testament to how Wellingtonians feel about their city.'
Past winners of Wellingtonian of the Year have included actress Dame Kate Harcourt, director Sir Peter Jackson, Flight of the Conchords' Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement, and former Wellington City Mission boss Father Des Britten.
Last year's winner, Neville Jordan, was recognised for his contribution to science and technology.
CATEGORY WINNERS
ARTS: JANE CAMPION
The Oscar-winning writer and director is one of our most dynamic film-makers. Her debut feature The Piano has appeared on lists of the 'top 100 films of all time'. Last year she made the Emmy-nominated TV series Top of the Lake.
BUSINESS: NORAH BARLOW
The chief executive of the recently NZX-listed Summerset Group since 2001. Last year, Summerset was named the best retirement village operator in Australasia for the third year in a row.
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
SUZANNE SNIVELY
A company director, farm owner and economic strategist. Community service has included chairing Mary Potter Hospice's widening provision of palliative care. Awarded an ONZM for work on breaking the cycle of family violence and preventing type 2 diabetes.
EDUCATION: LIZ LANGHAM
Co-president of Tawa-Linden Playcentre, works with the Wellington Playcentre Association, leads the Tawa Mainly Music group and supports Mana Tiaki's kapa haka roopu.
ENVIRONMENT: PHILLIP WADDINGTON
Designed a humane stoat trap, which he gifted to the Department of Conservation. It is used nationwide to enable the recovery of the kiwi and other birdlife.
GOVERNMENT: PETER HUGHES
Has had a 30-year career in the state sector. He is regarded as the consummate public servant and is now heading the Ministry of Education.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: DR RICHARD FURNEAUX
Renowned in global scientific circles for his contribution to carbohydrate chemistry, looking at the creation of potent drug candidates for cancer and severe inflammatory illnesses.
SPORTS: STEVEN ADAMS
One of 17 siblings from the amazing 'Adams family', which also includes big sister Valerie. He is the first Kiwi selected in American basketball's NBA draft, making him one of our highest-paid international athletes at just 20.
YOUTH: SEBASTIAN HALLUM CLARKE
A 16-year-old innovator and app developer, whose software is used by businesses and individuals in more than 100 countries. Recently won an award for his presentation arguing for increased computer programming education in primary schools.