The New Zealander of the Year Awards office is pleased to announce the semi-finalists for each award category of the 2018 New Zealander of the Year Awards.
These 10 Kiwis are our voices of conscience, courage and commitment. They don't just speak truth to power – they put their words into action and make a truly positive difference for all New Zealanders.
While one of these 10 people will ultimately be named Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year for 2018, each is already a very special Kiwi in their own right.
The annual New Zealander of the Year awards are in their ninth year. They celebrate people who use their passion for New Zealand to make our country a better place. They are open to all New Zealanders to honour extraordinary Kiwis whose selflessness, creativity, and vision make us proud to call New Zealand home.
1,118 nominations were received for the title of 2018 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.
In January, the judging panel – comprising representatives of all the awards patrons, presenters, sponsors, community leaders and independent experts – will announce the final shortlist of the three Kiwis being considered for the 2018 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year title and the other category finalists.
The winner will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala in Auckland on Thursday night, February 22, 2018.
Previous winners of the New Zealander of the Year Award are: Taika Waititi (2017), Richie McCaw (2016), Sir Stephen Tindall (2015), Dr. Lance O'Sullivan (2014), Dame Anne Salmond (2013), Sir Richard Taylor (2012), Sir Paul Callaghan (2011) and Sir Ray Avery (2010).
The 2018 New Zealander of the Year Awards also honour New Zealanders who have performed with distinction in five other award categories.