New Zealander of the Year Awards semifinalists include Ruby Tui, Sir John Kirwan, Tāme Iti, Topp Twins

Tuesday, 13 December 2022

Tā Tipene O'Regan.was named 2022 New Zealander of the Year (first published March 31)

Ruby Tui, the Topp Twins and Sir John Kirwan are among the semifinalists for the 2023 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa.

The awards celebrate New Zealanders from all walks of life across seven award categories, including young New Zealander of the year, senior New Zealander of the year and environmental hero of the year.

Among the nominees are Black Ferns star Tui, historian Dr Vincent O’Malley, activist Shaneel Lal and artist Tāme Iti.

The Topp Twins, Jools and Lynda, are also nominated. The sisters have been going through cancer treatment but recently performed to a sold-out crowd for their 40th anniversary as entertainers.

* Cancer care advocate Melissa Vining nominated for Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year

Ruby Tui of the Black Ferns celebrates with a poi after New Zealand won the Rugby World Cup.

* South Canterbury environmentalist in the running for New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

Artist and activist Tāme Iti is among the semifinalists.

Miriama Kamo, the patron of the awards, said the nominations came after another extraordinary year.

Tā Tipene O’Regan was named 2022 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year for his work dedicated to building an inclusive, bicultural nation.

“This year’s been marked with deep challenges, exhilarating celebrations and courageous decisions,” she said in a statement.

“Through it all, our semifinalists have each demonstrated their unwavering commitment to making this country a better place for us all – stepping up to act as support and strength for whānau, for communities, for our country and beyond.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to play a role in acknowledging their achievements.”

Thousands of nominations were then rigorously evaluated by an independent and diverse judging panel, and the 10 semifinalists per category were selected.

From thousands of nominations, the nominees were identified by an independent judging panel as upholding the mana and spirit of the awards programme.

The semifinalists then go on for consideration in the next round of judging, where they are whittled down to three finalists in each category.

These will be announced on February 22 and the winners will be revealed at a gala dinner in Auckland on March 30.