Meet our 2025 winners
These New Zealanders are inspiring positive change in their communities, across the nation and on the global stage. This is leading the way.
Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year winner
Professor Bev Lawton ONZM
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.
Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year winner
Subash Chandar K
Subash Chandar K – known online as ‘infinityplusone’ – is a game-changing mathematics educator who has made a significant impact on students across Aotearoa New Zealand since 2013.
About the awards
The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards has eight award categories and we sponsor two of them: the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award and Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero Award.
Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year
This award honours individuals who’ve made outstanding contributions to the wellbeing of our country. Their pursuit of excellence could be in the areas of science, business, the arts, cultural or community involvement, sport, education or health.
Inspiring, passionate, and hard-working – these are the people that make us proud to call New Zealand home.
Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
This award recognises local heroes who do extraordinary things in their local communities. They might be involved in business, leadership, voluntary work, community and environment groups, education, sporting clubs, working with the disadvantaged or they may have shown courage in overcoming a personal adversity.
We like to sing about these heroes and thank them for the difference they make to their region, town, suburb, community or local group.
Some of our previous Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year winners
Professor Rangi Mātāmua: 2023 New Zealander of the Year
In 2022, Professor Rangi Mātāmua became known as “the man behind Matariki” – appointed as chief advisor to the government on the Māori New Year.
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Tā Tipene O'Regan: 2022 New Zealander of the 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.
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Dr Siouxsie Wiles: 2021 New Zealander of the Year
Dr Siouxsie Wiles is an award-winning scientist who has used her expert knowledge of microbiology to empower a lot of New Zealanders. Throughout COVID-19, Siouxsie joined forces with The Spinoff cartoonist Toby Morris to make the science of the pandemic clear and understandable. Their work has undoubtedly helped to save lives, and her leadership through uncertain times has been recognised around the world.
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More about inspirational Kiwi
Learn more about the journey of previous Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year nominees and winners who’ve achieved extraordinary things and made a positive difference to the lives of others.