Sir Rod Drury wins New Zealander of the Year supreme award

Thursday, 19 March 2026

Technology entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Rod Drury has been named the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa 2026.

Drury (Ngāi Tahu) received the supreme award at a gala dinner in Auckland on Thursday night, where seven other category winners were also recognised.

The founder of software company Xero, Drury was selected from thousands of nominations for his contributions to innovation, investment, and mentorship within the technology sector.

The judging panel noted Drury's recent focus on venture philanthropy, and his funding of public good infrastructure projects.

Kiwibank chief executive Steve Jurkovich said Drury had a track record of turning ambition into action.

“From transforming how small businesses operate and grow across the world, to backing the next generation of innovators and investing in the people and physical infrastructure our country needs for the future, his impact is far-reaching and deeply practical,” Jurkovich said.

“What stands out most is his commitment to using his success as a platform to enable others – helping more New Zealand businesses to start, scale and succeed.

“Sir Rod’s mahi is helping build a more productive, confident and future-focused Aotearoa. We’re proud to celebrate him as the 2026 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa.”

Drury’s previous recognitions included EY New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year, and induction into the New Zealand Hi-Tech Hall of Fame.

Other award category winners on Thursday night included Lucy Blakiston (Young New Zealander of the Year), Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr (Senior New Zealander of the Year), Craig Piggott (Innovator of the Year), Mike Casey (Sustainability Leader of the Year), Māhera Maihi (Local Hero of the Year), and Dame Lynley Dodd, who received the New Zealand Legacy Award. The Safeguarding Children Initiative was named Community of the Year.