We are excited and extremely proud to announce the three finalists of the Air NZ UK New Zealander of The Year Award 2025!

First of all a massive thank you to all you who have nominated so many talented people, resulting in these 3 amazing finalists! Join us at the Waitangi Day Charity Ball on the 7th February 2025 at the Waldorf Ballroom when we award the Air NZ UK New Zealander of the Year Award 2025. This year's nominees are a cross section of what we kiwis do best. Congratulations to all of them.

In 2025 we stand still, celebrate and reflect on the 185th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Ever since 1840 New Zealanders have played an integral part in community work and being an advocate of showcasing humility and hard work in the UK and on the world stage.

We are thrilled to welcome back Air New Zealand as our key partner for the Ball who have generously donated two return Business Class tickets for the award winner, as well as two Premium Economy tickets for our charity auction, which will be led by the fantastic Christie’s auctioneer, Charles Foley.

The Committee and Membership of the New Zealand Society of the UK feel very privileged to be the custodians of this important Award on behalf of our NZ community within the UK. We are therefore incredibly proud to announce the following finalists: Clint Heine, Kim Parkinson & Lyall Hakaraia. This year’s finalists were carefully selected by the judging panel from across our NZ network of professional and volunteer organisations. Each nominee brings such a wealth of generosity, knowledge, energy and initiative into deepening the already strong links between Aotearoa NZ and the UK. Our extraordinary finalists are this year’s Southern Cross most brightly shining examples of that unique ‘get stuck in Kiwi spirit’.

The community stands in the centre of what they achieved and are continue to achieve. It is this simplicity of community engagement that makes it so universally appealing: simple happenings that formed the starting point of many people being positively affected. We congratulate all the nominees and finalists on behalf of our wider community, without who’s belief in and support of this prestigious Award we would not be in a position to so meaningfully thank our finalists and recipients for their contribution to our shared NZ / UK community.

The three finalists are:

Clint Heine Clint is nominated for his lifelong dedication to supporting young New Zealanders in the UK. Originally from Nelson and a graduate of Otago University, Clint founded Kiwis in London in 2012, which has grown into a community connecting over 150,000 New Zealanders. This platform assists Kiwis in their London journey, providing support with employment, accommodation, social activities, and mental health assistance.

With over 15 years of experience in the UK public sector as a careers adviser, Clint has leveraged his expertise to build strategic relationships with organizations and recruiters, easing the overseas experience for New Zealanders and promoting new NZ businesses within his network. His social events, like the annual Christmas Party, are iconic, drawing over 1,500 attendees.

Clint has also played a significant role in promoting and fundraising for Jayson Norris, a fellow Kiwi battling cancer. His efforts have raised awareness and substantial funds to support Jayson, showcasing Clint's commitment to helping his community in times of need. His work has made a lasting impact on countless young New Zealanders navigating life in the UK.

Kim Parkinson Kim is nominated for the UK New Zealander of the Year Award 2025 due to his significant contributions to the community. He created and developed a rugby league team, the Wests Warriors, from scratch, representing Kiwis in the UK. As the head coach of three teams, he has built a supportive community for new arrivals and others both on and off the pitch. Over the past year, Kim has acted as an ambassador for New Zealand, bringing success and organising fundraising efforts, notably helping Kiwi Jayson Norris, who is battling terminal cancer, raise thousands for his care.

Beyond his professional duties, Kim mentors his teammates, supports various organizations, and has added a women's league team to his community, earning respect in the UK league community.

Lyall Hakaraia Lyall is nominated for their extensive contributions to both the New Zealand and Queer communities in the UK. As a Rangatira Takatāpui, queer community organizer, and artist in East London, Lyall's work focuses on building sustainable communities through the arts.

They have been the Creative and Financial Director of Vogue Fabrics Dalston (VFD) for 17 years, providing a safe space for the queer community. In addition to their professional work, Lyall has volunteered for Te Maru O Hinemihi and contributed significantly to the Aotearoa New Zealand community in the UK, often under the radar. They are also a founding member of the Interisland Collective, the first Pasifika arts collective in the UK, which has created new spaces for Pasifika culture in prominent institutions like the British Museum and The Royal Academy of Arts.

Lyall's efforts extend beyond their occupation, including pro bono work as a spokesperson, speaker, fundraiser, and activist. They have played a key role in numerous cultural projects and exhibitions, promoting Māori and Pasifika culture internationally. Their involvement in the queer community is notable, with appearances in major media outlets and participation in cultural programming across various platforms. Lyall's achievements reflect a lifetime dedication to the arts and cultural advocacy. Lyall has also been instrumental in educating people around the Treaty of Waitangi.

*Join us at the Waitangi Day Charity Ball for the announcement of the Air NZ UK New Zealander of the Year 2025 *

**Previous winners of the Award: Julia Maile (2024), Craig Fenton (2023), Mr Corey Baker (2022), Mrs Tania Bearsley (2020), Mrs Ereti Mitchell (2019), Dame Kiri te Kanawa ONZ CH DBE AC (2018), Lady Alexandra Smith (2017), Mr Mark Wilson (2016), Ms Katherine Corich (2015), Mr Eric Tracey (2014), Ms Bronwen Horton (2013), Mr Kent Gardner (2012), Mr Terry Smith (2011), Ms Anna Hansen MBE (2010), Ms Esther Kerr Jessop QSM (2009), Dr Ian Conrich (2008), Mr Jonathan Rennie (2007), Mr Tom & Mrs Susan Glynn (2006), Mr Peter Leslie (2005), Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas (2004), The Rt. Hon Don McKinnon (2003), (The late) Harry Mahon OBE (2002), Mr Michael Campbell CNZM (2001), Sir Mark Todd (2000) and Mr Peter Gordon ONZM (1999).

As part of New Zealand Society’s official annual celebrations of the 185th anniversary of signing of the Tiritiri o te Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi, an evening church service will be held at St Lawrence Jewry in the City of London, at 6.30pm on Thursday 6th February 2025. The Honorary Chaplains of the New Zealand Society UK, the Dean of St Albans the Very Reverend Joanne Kelly-Moore and Fr James Titley will conduct the service. This will be followed by a Reception generously hosted by the Worshipful Company of Girdlers.

We are thrilled to announce that Air New Zealand has once again partnered with us for the Waitangi Day Charity Ball 2025. Our longstanding relationship goes back decades but due to the issues with Covid we had to take a couple of steps back.

As New Zealand’s most renowned and reliable airline, their continued support exemplifies the outstanding Kiwi spirit in the UK! This year, Air New Zealand has generously donated two return Business Class tickets for the winner of the prestigious UK New Zealander of the Year Award, to be announced at the Waitangi Day Charity Ball at the Waldorf Hotel on 7th February 2025. Tickets for the event are now available! Additionally, two fantastic Premium Economy tickets have been donated by Air New Zealand for the New Zealand Society Charity Auction supporting our charitable mission.

We are also excited to welcome Air New Zealand as a partner in our new grants initiative, helping to bridge the gap between Aotearoa and the UK, and bringing our communities even closer. A heartfelt thank you to the Air New Zealand team for their unwavering commitment and generous support, we are beyond grateful!

Air New Zealand website

Dear Members,

Our AGM was held last Friday 12th July via Zoom.

As I reflect on my five-year tenure as President of the New Zealand Society, I am filled with gratitude and pride for what we have achieved together. This will be my final year serving in this role, and it has been an honour to lead such a dedicated and vibrant community. The process of recruiting a new president will be managed by a subcommittee, ensuring a seamless transition.

Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the current committee for their exceptional work over the past 12 months. Their commitment and enthusiasm have been invaluable. We also bid farewell to Louise Parkin, Elly-Marie Connolly, Ankita Sharma and Kerry Beeching, who are stepping down from the committee. Their contributions have left a lasting impact on our society. Kerryn supported the New Zealand community and Jayson Norris last Saturday working with others to put on a great fundraiser at the All Blacks screening. Amazing work!

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the planning of our 2024 Christmas event featuring a Kiwi market on December 1st. Reflecting on the past year, notable highlights include the well-attended Waitangi Day ball and service, and the support of our new patron, HM The King, to whom we send our best wishes during his cancer treatment. Our collaborations with other New Zealand organisations have also been instrumental in our success. We look forward to a few more events this coming year, our first event witll be the Paris Olympic Games Opening Event with our French partners.

For the upcoming year, we are reviewing the format of the Waitangi Day Ball to ensure better cash flow through increased pre-sales. Mark your calendars for the Waitangi Day service on February 6th and the ball on February 7th. We are also exploring new events, including an art exhibition, to diversify our offerings. It is crucial to have a strong, cohesive committee to deliver these events, with the Treasurer involved in all planning stages to maintain financial oversight. The 100 Waka campaign continues to be a focal point, alongside new partnerships with Halo and Crown Removals, which have been beneficial.

At our recent AGM, we adopted the minutes from the prior meeting, reflecting on the progress made and acknowledging the efforts of those who have served. Our charitable grant to the Shakespeare Globe NZ Group underscores our commitment to supporting New Zealand culture, despite financial constraints. The financial report presented by our Treasurer, Rhonda Moon, highlighted a challenging year, with a slight cash loss. We decided to constrain the giving out of Grants for the year to build up a reserve. The Waitangi Day Ball's financial loss, despite fundraising efforts, was a significant concern. We must consider increasing membership fees to cover administrative costs and mitigate financial risks associated with large events.

Despite these challenges, our membership subscription receipts have increased post-Covid, and eliminating our storage facility has saved us thousands of Pounds annually. However, the ongoing financial sustainability of our events remains critical. We have a small number join the 100 Waka Club, and while efforts to secure sponsorship continue, the Halo initiative has yet to yield income. I commend Vice President Emma Creese for her outstanding work on our social media platforms, enhancing our visibility and engagement.

Looking forward, the committee must evaluate increasing membership costs to cover administrative expenses, reassess the financial risk of the ball, and ensure smaller events are well-attended and planned with foresight. With better cash flow management and strong event attendance, we could potentially increase our surplus by £15,000 annually. However, we cannot sustain current levels without these improvements. We need the input of you, and the community. Ball tickets will need to be bought at an earlier stage to secure our deposits.

We will continue to work with Harlands as our accountants, ensuring financial transparency and accountability. The newly confirmed committee for 2024 includes:

President: The Hon Clarence Tan Vice Presidents: Justine Redfearn and Emma Creese Secretary: Veronica Johnstone Treasurer: Rhonda Moon Committee Members: Aivale Cole, Claire Horan, Shivani Dayal, Stacey Minnell-Gault, Carla Potter, and Kara Śegedin. Patron: HM The King Vice Patron: HE The Hon Phil Goff CNZM (High Commissioner)

Finally, we have updated our terms to adopt gender-neutral language and will conduct a detailed review in the coming year. Our strategic goals include recruiting a new president, revising our mission statement, replacing our CRM system, planning for our 100-year event, embedding governance practices, collaborating with the NZ France Association for the Olympics, and rebranding to include Aotearoa. We also aim to become a registered charity by 2026, furthering our mission to support the New Zealand community abroad.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we will build on our successes and face future challenges with resilience and unity. Ngā mihi nui,

The Hon Clarence Tan President New Zealand Society (UK)

I am delighted to announce that HM The King has accepted the Patronage of the New Zealand Society UK. HM The King has a long history with our society, visiting us several times, and with Aotearoa New Zealand in particular. We look forward welcoming HM The King to our events.

HM the King will follow in the footsteps of his late father HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who served as our patron for nearly 70 years.

Our Vice Patron remains HE The High Commissioner, the Hon Phil Goff.

This new patronage is a very special occasion for us, especially in the first anniversary year of Their Majesties’ coronation. We say kia ora and a warm haere mai to HM the King.

The Hon Clarence Tan President

Wishing the New Zealand Chinese community a happy Lunar New Year of the (roaring) Dragon. A year of prosperity and good health. 🐉

Did you know that New Zealand’s first naturalised Chinese immigrant, Appo Hocton – or 黄鹤廷 – arrived in Nelson on the ship Thomas Harrison on 25th October 1842.

Photos: 1 Auckland Domain Light Festival. 2, Appo Hocton.

We are excited and extremely proud to announce the five finalists of the UK New Zealander of The Year Award 2024! 💫

First of all a massive thank you to all you who have nominated so many talented people! We had a number of strong entries but unfortunately we had to narrow it down to an unprecedented 5 finalists! Join us on the 9th February 2024 at the Waldorf Ballroom when we award the UK New Zealander of the Year Award 2024. This year's nominees are a cross section of what we kiwis do best. Congratulations to all of them.

In 2024 we stand still, celebrate and reflect on the 184th anniversary of the singing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Ever since 1840 New Zealanders have played an integral part in community work and being an advocate of showcasing humility and hard work in the UK and on the world stage.

The Committee and Membership of the New Zealand Society of the UK feel very privileged to be the custodians of this important Award on behalf of our NZ community within the UK. I am therefore incredibly proud to announce the following finalists: Molly Bedingfield, Bryce Check, Julia Maile, Rebecca Scown and Mary Strang. Reflecting on 2023 and the nominees, this year’s finalists were carefully selected by the judging panel from across our NZ network of professional and volunteer organisations. Each nominee brings such a wealth of generosity, knowledge, energy and initiative into deepening the already strong links between Aotearoa NZ and the UK. Our extraordinary finalists are this year’s Southern Cross most brightly shining examples of that unique ‘get stuck in Kiwi spirit’.

The community stands in the centre of what they achieved and are continue to achieve. It is this simplicity of community engagement that makes it so universally appealing: simple happenings that formed the starting point of many people being positively affected. We congratulate all the nominees and finalists on behalf of our wider community, without who’s belief in and support of this prestigious Award we would not be in a position to so meaningfully thank our finalists and recipients for their contribution to our shared NZ / UK community.

Molly Bedingfield, for her work as the founder and visionary behind the internationally renowned The Global Angels Foundation as well as the Director at Transform Your World. As the CEO of this international foundation, Molly has dedicated herself to empowering disadvantaged communities across the globe.

Molly has been a staple in the London-New Zealand community since moving over in the early 2000’s. She has always been willing to lend a hand, connect with newly arrived New Zealanders or support women in business.

Bryce Check, for his work as founder of Kiwis in Property. Kiwis in Property is a social networking group for New Zealanders working in the UK commercial property sector. Kiwis in Property has hosted many high profile New Zealanders as speakers beyond the realm of property. Bryce has shown true kiwi spirit by always finding time to meet up with people who have just arrived in the UK. He generously gives his time and shares his vast network.

Kiwis in Property has brought together people, and through their all inclusive events is accessible to all throwing fun into the mix with their Hawaiian shirt or Christmas Jumper events.

Julia Maile for starting MerryGoRound after she read in her local newspaper, the Islington Gazette, that 47% of children in the borough are living in poverty. MerryGoRound was started so that children's clothes can be passed from one family to another- creating a circle of love within the community.

Actions not words, We and not Me. Julia has brought to life a practical way for many to share and show Aroha within the community. The caring spirit of herself and team is not about shouting “I am Kiwi” but in having taken action and thought of others ahead of themselves.

Rebecca Scown for growing the influence and impact of YES and other charities focused on youth and sport in the UK as well as co-founding Tima, a digital sports platform for grassroots sport in the UK. Rebecca has been leading and coordinating numerous fundraising events for YES including charity runs and for the of CEO, of also kiwi run, Sleepout.

Rebecca has represented Aotearoa New Zealand at high profile events such as King Charles III Coronation, Rowing Regattas, and other internationally recognised sporting events in UK and Europe. Continually supporting Kea and other NZ Society aligned communities in the UK.

Mary Strang for her work as co chair of FANZA (Foundation for Australia and New Zealand Arts), promoting and supporting New Zealand artists and writers in the UK. Mary was key for fundraising for FANZA, pre and post pandemic, which has now reasonably secure future funding. Mary was instrumental in enhancing the new website, and regular newsletters. Through Mary's work, including with Creative New Zealand, she has helped many kiwi artists including going to the Edinburgh Fringe.

Well done to our incredible finalists ♥️👏

The Award, which was established by the New Zealand Society in 1999 to recognise and honour those New Zealanders or British nationals who have gone above and beyond their daily or professional lives to make a difference in presenting the most positive image of New Zealand within the UK. It symbolises the continuation of the close relationship between the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The award will be presented to the winner at the annual New Zealand Society UK’s Waitangi Day Charity Ball in The Ballroom of The Waldorf Hilton in Aldwych, London, on Friday 9th February 2024. bit.ly/KiwiCalendar

Come and support these incredible kiwis! Tickets are still available by contacting ticketing@nzsociety.co.uk or treasurer@nzsociety.co.uk

Previous winners include: Craig Fenton 2023, Corey Baker 2022, Tania Bearsley 2020, Ereti Mitchell 2019, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ONZ CH DBE AC 2018, Lady Alexandra Smith 2017, Mark Wilson 2016, Katherine Corich 2015, Eric Tracey 2014, Bronwen Horton 2013, Kent Gardner 2012, Terry Smith 2011, Anna Hansen MBE 2010, Esther Kerr Jessop ONZM, QSM 2009, Dr Ian Conrich 2008, Jonathan Rennie 2007, Tom & Susan Glynn 2006, Peter Leslie 2005, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas 2004, The Rt. Hon Don McKinnon 2003, (The late) Harry Mahon OBE 2002, Michael Campbell CNZM 2001, Sir Mark Todd 2000 and Peter Gordon ONZM 1999.

The annual New Zealand Society Waitangi Day Charity Ball is the biggest event on the NZ Society UK calendar, raising funds for the Society’s Charitable Grant Fund, which allows the Society to support New Zealanders from across the United Kingdom who are doing amazing things to strengthen ties between NZ and the UK.

I am sincerely proud of our wonderful finalists and I look forward to celebrate their achievements at the Waitangi Day Ball with you.

Ngā mih nui,

The Hon Clarence Tan
President, New Zealand Society (UK)

Tēnā koe.

I am delighted and extremely proud in the 183rd year of the Treaty of Waitangi to announce the winner of the UK New Zealander of the Year Award 2023: Mr Craig Fenton

Craig received the award at the 290 people filled ballroom of the Waldorf Hotel in central London on the 3rd February. The award was bestowed by the High Commissioner which included a handmade korowai by whaea Jackie Naylor Ngāti Rānana, a pounamu and a trip to Portugal sponsored by Stoke Travel. It was a magical evening with people dressed up in evening dressed and black tie attire.

Craig received the award for being a dedicated and inspiring leader, Craig is always kind in offering time, insights, connections and support for fellow kiwi, kiwi exporters and businesses, especially those that work across the U.K., Ireland and European markets. Craig has certainly put New Zealand on the global map. His nomination focusses on his extracurricular activities. Outside of work Craig is very generous with his time, knowledge and supports many New Zealand charity organisations based offshore. He and his family support and give to so many initiatives and events that involve the NZ Community, including Te Papa Foundation, Auckland University Alumni, Kea New Zealand as well as the broader NZ Inc whānau at NZ High Commission and NZ Trade and Enterprise. Craig also supports his local communities via the work he does with the music industry, nurturing many young and entrepreneurial future leaders.

He will join an esteemed list of winners: Corey Baker 2022, Tania Bearsley 2020, Ereti Mitchell 2019, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ONZ CH DBE AC 2018, Lady Alexandra Smith 2017, Mark Wilson 2016, Katherine Corich 2015, Eric Tracey 2014, Bronwen Horton 2013, Kent Gardner 2012, Terry Smith 2011, Anna Hansen MBE 2010, Esther Kerr Jessop ONZM, QSM 2009, Dr Ian Conrich 2008, Jonathan Rennie 2007, Tom & Susan Glynn 2006, Peter Leslie 2005, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas 2004, The Rt. Hon Don McKinnon 2003, Harry Mahon OBE 2002, Michael Campbell CNZM 2001, Sir Mark Todd 2000 and Peter Gordon ONZM 1999.

I would like to acknowledge the other three incredible finalists: Marianne Harper, Dr Tom Dawson and Miles Kirby. Each finalist brings such a wealth of generosity, knowledge, energy and initiative into deepening the already strong links between Aotearoa NZ and the UK. All extraordinary finalists are this year’s Southern Cross most brightly shining examples of that unique ‘get stuck in Kiwi spirit’ and sharing of aroha, experience and knowledge.

The community stands in the centre of what they achieved and are continue to achieve. It is this simplicity of community engagement that makes it so universally appealing: simple happenings that formed the starting point of many people being positively affected. We congratulate all the nominees and finalists on behalf of our wider community, without who’s belief in and support of this prestigious Award we would not be in a position to so meaningfully thank our finalists and recipients for their contribution to our shared NZ / UK community.

The Committee and Membership of the New Zealand Society would like to thank all our sponsors, supporters and suppliers for the Waitangi Day Ball 2023. A mssive thank you to our food, wine and beverage sponsors for their support and making it a delicious evening. We would also like to wholeheartedly like to thank the amazing New Zealand Symphony Orchestra their singers and musicians, Carleen Ebbs in particular. Thank you to the wonderful Ngāti Rānana, our incredible auctioneer Charles Foley and of course the delightful MC - Emma Keeling! It was a spectacular evening. Thank you to those who supported us on the night by buying a ticket and sharing this special evening with us. Of course a massive thank you to those who donated prizes for the raffle and auction!

The annual New Zealand Society Waitangi Day Charity Ball is the biggest event on the NZ Society UK calendar, raising funds for the Society’s Charitable Grant Fund, which allows the Society to support New Zealanders from across the United Kingdom who are doing amazing things to strengthen ties between NZ and the UK.

Ngā mih nui,

The Hon Clarence Tan
President, New Zealand Society (UK)

Tēnā koe.

I am delighted and extremely proud in the 183rd year of the Treaty of Waitangi to announce the four finalists for the prestigious UK New Zealander of the Year Award 2023.

The four finalists are Marianne Harper, Dr Tom Dawson, Craig Fenton and Miles Kirby. Reflecting on 2022 and the nominees, this year’s finalists were carefully selected by the judging panel from across our NZ network of professional and volunteer organisations. Each nominee brings such a wealth of generosity, knowledge, energy and initiative into deepening the already strong links between Aotearoa NZ and the UK. Our three extraordinary finalists are this year’s Southern Cross most brightly shining examples of that unique ‘get stuck in Kiwi spirit’ and sharing of aroha, experience and knowledge.

The community stands in the centre of what they achieved and are continue to achieve. It is this simplicity of community engagement that makes it so universally appealing: simple happenings that formed the starting point of many people being positively affected. We congratulate all the nominees and finalists on behalf of our wider community, without who’s belief in and support of this prestigious Award we would not be in a position to so meaningfully thank our finalists and recipients for their contribution to our shared NZ / UK community.

Marianne Harper, for her tireless work for the New Zealand Women's Association and the New Zealand community in the UK. Marianne has modernised the NZWA and taken it through some difficult times, making it equipped for the future.

Dr Tom Dawson, for his contribution to sustainability and the environment. Tom delivers a positive impact and is part of a much larger team trying to save the world, it's people, flora and fauna. He founded Revolution-ZERO which has been displacing single-use medical textiles with more effective, net zero, reusable and circular (no waste) alternatives for the UK NHS. This initiative has been recognised internationally and collaborations are being forged across the world including in NZ, Kiribati Islands, Mozambique, US, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Ireland and Kyrgyzstan.

Craig Fenton, for being a dedicated and inspiring leader, Craig is always kind in offering time, insights, connections and support for fellow kiwi, kiwi exporters and businesses, especially those that work across the U.K., Ireland and European markets. Craig has certainly put New Zealand on the global map. His nomination focusses on his extracurricular activities. Outside of work Craig is very generous with his time, knowledge and supports many New Zealand charity organisations based offshore. He and his family support and give to so many initiatives and events that involve the NZ Community, including Te Papa Foundation, Auckland University Alumni, Kea New Zealand as well as the broader NZ Inc whānau at NZ High Commission and NZ Trade and Enterprise. Craig also supports his local communities via the work he does with music industry, nurturing many young and entrepreneurial future leaders.

Miles Kirby for his services in the hospitality industry promoting Aotearoa New Zealand. From providing food for the New Zealand cricket team to opening a New Zealand style restaurant group Miles lives and breathes our culture ethos and our mana daily. Miles has also been involved in helping entrepreneurs, young kiwis and is involved in NZ community initiatives.

Well done to our four incredible finalists ♥️👏

The Award, which was established by the New Zealand Society in 1999 to recognise and honour those New Zealanders or British nationals who have gone above and beyond their daily or professional lives to make a difference in presenting the most positive image of New Zealand within the U.K. It symbolises the continuation of the close relationship between the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The award will be presented to the winner at the annual New Zealand Society UK’s Waitangi Day Charity Ball in The Ballroom of The Waldorf Hilton in Aldwych, London, on Friday 3rd February 2023. bit.ly/KiwiCalendar

Come and support these incredible kiwis! Tickets are still available by contacting ticketing@nzsociety.co.uk or treasurer@nzsociety.co.uk or via our Sumup (where transaction fees apply)

Previous winners include: Corey Baker 2022, Tania Bearsley 2020, Ereti Mitchell 2019, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ONZ CH DBE AC 2018, Lady Alexandra Smith 2017, Mark Wilson 2016, Katherine Corich 2015, Eric Tracey 2014, Bronwen Horton 2013, Kent Gardner 2012, Terry Smith 2011, Anna Hansen MBE 2010, Esther Kerr Jessop ONZM, QSM 2009, Dr Ian Conrich 2008, Jonathan Rennie 2007, Tom & Susan Glynn 2006, Peter Leslie 2005, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas 2004, The Rt. Hon Don McKinnon 2003, (The late) Harry Mahon OBE 2002, Michael Campbell CNZM 2001, Sir Mark Todd 2000 and Peter Gordon ONZM 1999.

The annual New Zealand Society Waitangi Day Charity Ball is the biggest event on the NZ Society UK calendar, raising funds for the Society’s Charitable Grant Fund, which allows the Society to support New Zealanders from across the United Kingdom who are doing amazing things to strengthen ties between NZ and the UK.

I am sincerely proud of our four wonderful finalists and I look forward to celebrate their achievements at the Waitangi Day Ball with you.

Ngā mih nui,

The Hon Clarence Tan
President, New Zealand Society (UK)

THE FINALISTS

Marianne Harper Born in Hastings, NZ, Marianne was educated at Iona College and Waikato University. She later set up and managed the first campus bookshop at her university before leaving to pursue her career in the UK where she has now lived for over 40 years. When Marianne thought she might work in event management towards the end of her (paid) working life, she could hardly have imagined that she would find herself doing exactly that some years into retirement!

Her earlier career in bookselling, publishing and the voluntary sector could hardly be seen as preparation for the challenges Marianne has faced since becoming President of the NZWA (NZ Women’s Association) in 2019.

With the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, Marianne first mastered Zoom to present on-line events but when NZ House closed in 2022 for refurbishment, she was forced to re-imagine how the group could survive when its core activity for over 40 years - hosting home-cooked lunches in the Penthouse there – became impossible. So they put their catering equipment into storage and began to hold small-group activities: coffee groups both North and South of the Thames and established a walking group. Marianne found venues in central London to continue to hold occasional lunches and meetings and members have continued to enjoy the warmth and friendliness for which the group was famous, sadly without the home-cooking for which the group was also famed.

Marianne writes a regular newsletter for members and was instrumental in engaging an administrator to produce and circulate it. She has moved the group to online bookings. She feels that while challenges remain, members value their association and are keen for it to survive.

www.nzwa.co.uk

Dr Tom Dawson As a New Zealander driven to make a positive impact Tom is part of a much larger team trying to save the world, it's people, flora and fauna from the excesses of our modern lives. He founded Revolution-ZERO which has been displacing single-use medical textiles with more effective, net zero, reusable and circular (no waste) alternatives for the UK NHS. This initiative has been recognised internationally and collaborations are being forged across the world including in NZ, Kiribati Islands, Mozambique, US, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Ireland and Kyrgyzstan.

Tom is a clinician/academic with a medical degree from Otago and a doctorate from Oxford. He is a visiting research fellow in circular health economics at the University of Exeter and is widely published including 15 granted biotechnology patents.

www.revolution-zero.com

Craig Fenton Craig grew up in New Zealand and lives in London, where he and his family have been based now for more than 20 years.

Craig Fenton is a business leader and entrepreneur who has worked in the technology industry for 20 years. He leads Strategy & Operations for Google in UK and Ireland, is an author, angel investor and advisor to several start-ups, and founded his own record label and film production company to give creatives from less privileged backgrounds their start in music and film. Craig has a podcast and YouTube channel called Coffee, Eggs & Inspiration where he interviews inspiring leaders about their story.

www.craigfenton.com

Miles Kirby Founder and Chef Director, Caravan Restaurants and Caravan Coffee Roasters.

Miles worked in hospitality and the food sector in New Zealand, Europe, the U.S and the UK before founding Caravan in 2009 with fellow New Zealanders Chris Ammermann and Laura Harper-Hinton. Since 2009, Caravan has grown to a family of 7 restaurants, 3 coffee brew bars and an impressive wholesale, and retail coffee roasting business. An active part of the NZ community here in the UK, Miles has supported and mentored many a fellow kiwi over a cup of coffee at his restaurants, hosted events for visiting dignitaries and continues to make all kiwis welcome.

www.caravanrestaurants.co.uk

This month's Spotlight we are in conversation with kiwi artist and designer Frederick Worrell. Frederick kindly donated a silent auction prize at this year's Waitangi Day Charity Ball raising important money for our Charitable Fund. We are ever so grateful for his generosity. Since February, Frederick has been on an exciting journey with various projects including art work for the NZ High Commission in London. Frederick and I had a wonderful conversation, as Frederick moved to Newcastle, I spoke to him via Zoom.

Frederick and his work for NZ High Commission

Could you tell the New Zealand Society a bit about yourself? Whereabouts in New Zealand are you from?

Tēnā Koutou, New Zealand Society……Ko Frederick Worrell toku Inoa, I am an award-winning indigenous Māori artist, husband and father to two sons. My paternal grandfather was born in Lincoln and because of that, I was able to get an ancestry visa to live and work in the UK in 2014. I am originally from Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty New Zealand but have been based in the UK with my family for the last 8 years. I offer a wide range of practical skills and experience that range from spatial design, visual communication and fine art. As an indigenous Māori artist living abroad, I have enjoyed creating and exploring my indigenous heritage from afar through a global context. I do this by using a variety of processes, materials, theories and techniques that add texture and definition to my style of work. Moving to the UK has ironically allowed me to reconnect with and reflect upon my Māori identity and heritage.

You recently moved to Newcastle after 8 years in London. Was it a difficult move?

The decision to relocate from London to Newcastle upon Tyne was a no brainer for my whanau and I. We probably should have moved here sooner after considering Devon or Cornwall. Newcastle ticks all the boxes for us. The quality of life is calmer, relaxed, family friendly. This, followed by a landscape that reminds me of New Zealand. This location suits our family’s lifestyle needs with access to the ocean for surfing, paddle boarding, literally 12 minutes from our home to country parks on our back doorstep for walking, mountain biking, etc.….the city its self has architectural elements from contemporary futurist buildings and bridges to the classical styled architecture, these features remind me of Auckland, Sydney and London. Oh and did I mention that the people here in the north are friendly and helpful!

You had an incredible year with amazing projects including representing Aotearoa New Zealand at this year's Asian Art Biennial in Bangladesh. Which ones have been the big ones for you?

My art practice has moved from strength to strength over the last three years since leaving my full-time employment and becoming a full-time artist. During this time, I have built a body of work that explores concepts of my cultural identity and heritage, female empowerment and my true love of the natural world. As indigenous people, we are in the stream of our wairua (spirit) being carried by our tūpuna (ancestors) in a way that is connecting us to ourselves and to the world around us.

Definitely a combination of different collaborative projects connecting with people from the UK and the world. My largest commissioned projects to date include 3 large convex mirror paintings for the New Zealand High Commission in their London office, 3 smaller convex mirrors’ for The Botany Bay Project in Manchester's Oswald Primary School which was an collaborative project with the kids from the garden club followed by the design and construction drawings for a temporary building for indigenous crochet artists Lissy and Rudi Robinson Cole which will be launched to the public in 2023 for Matariki (Maori New Year) which takes place in winter from late May to early July. I was humbled and honored to be one of ten artists selected to represent New Zealand at this year’s 2022 Asian Art Biennial, which will be held at the National Gallery of Bangladesh. This has allowed me to connect with international galleries and international curators - the icing on the cake for 2022.

Who or what made you want to become an artist?

I have been an artist since I can remember. The feelings creating art gave me at a young age were peace of mind, calmness and a sense of magic. Winning artistic awards throughout my school life and tertiary education was confirmation that I was great at what I did and that I was passionate about my craft. Energy flows where energy goes.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in interior design and completed some post graduate architectural courses at Unitec school of Architecture. After working in this sector and moving to London from Auckland in 2014, I had a complete culture shock. After 5 years of working in a toxic job I hated and that affected my mental health, I decided enough was enough and I was very lucky to have the financial support and aroha of my wife Sarah McCalden who allowed me the opportunity to leave my job, in order to shift my mindset and my paradigms. I wanted to rediscover my passions - my art practice - and have more time to spend with my family. Not many people get this opportunity in life, or choose to take it, so I feel so much gratitude every day that I was able to take the time to be with myself, and really figure out what I wanted to do with my life and where I want to be. The time is now to express and believe in yourself, the time is now to be the greatest you can be.

You kindly donated a beautiful art work for our Charitable Fund last year and you are kindly donating an art work again for our Waitangi Day Charity Ball 2023, could you tell us more about it?

I’m excited to share another piece for this worthy cause as it really gives me the opportunity to connect with new audiences and my fellow New Zealanders living in the UK. The artwork I intend to create will showcase an indigenous intervention that literally reflects the relationship between New Zealand and the United Kingdom’s landscape, bird life and plants.

Could you tell us a bit more about the project you are collaborating on with Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole?

I first discovered husband and wife duo and their artwork online via Instagram and was so inspired by their work that I was compelled to contact and connect with them, resulting in a yearlong design commission to work with them in designing the temporary structure that would house their beautiful sculptural carvings. Their vision and work will be a world’s first-ever traditional Māori marae (meeting house) made from bright neon crocheted wool which will firstly be exhibited around New Zealand. My structural design features modern materials, Aluminum structural frame work and Polycarbonate panels, combined with their collaborative approach, Avanti-grade take on traditional Māori curving and motif. This installation, experience can be taken down, transported, and reassembled for different exhibitions around the world.

How important is your Māori heritage to you?

Very much so, being Māori is our superpower. I am a 46 years old Māori man who lived 38 years in New Zealand but felt disconnected from my indigenous roots. My Māori mother passed away when I was 7 years old and from then I became disconnected from my culture, as I was raised by my Pakeha (of European descent) father and missed a big part of growing up without my indigenous culture because I did not have my mother to show me. In bi-cultural New Zealand, I did not learn the language properly and missed out on so much, even though one would expect me to know certain things because of the colour of my skin, for me it was a source of great shame.

As I have become a more successful artist, I have a deeper desire and drive to know and understand my ancestry from both sides, not just for me, but for my kids and all the other indigenous people who have lost or are looking for ways connect with their identities. Knowing who you are and where you come from, is a superpower. My convex mirror art works are for me are a way to reflect this – of connecting past, present and future in one glimpse. I’m excited and driven to expand on this connection and develop this theme in more of my future artworks.

Who currently inspires you?

My top shelf would be Carin Wilson for his leadership art/design innovation towards his use of materials and the mentorship he gave me when I first left university as a young designer. Lissy and Rudi Robson Cole for their fearless, courageous follow through for their vision for Wharenui Harikoa by pushing the boundaries of sculpture, Karl Barrows from Haka works for his podcast interviews with business leaders sharing and bring to light how they have applied tikanga principles to their work place and how this has helped make business and the world a better place for everyone. This is current and inspirational stuff….

What do you miss the most from Aotearoa New Zealand?

My family and friends, the beautiful landscapes with locations where you can snowboard, skateboard and surf on the same day within a space of 1 hour from each other…. oh have I mention the kai – the seafood to the best organic produce that New Zealand has to offer. I guess growing up in the Bay of Plenty and living so close to the ocean, I was spoilt for choices.

Finally, I am aware that you now live in Newcastle but do you have a favourite spot in the UK and is there a place you always wanted to visit here?

My favourite spot so far would definitely be London, for its rich architectural history, multi-culture and art. Since moving to Newcastle one place I haven’t been to that is in close proximity to us, would be the Lake District in Cumbria. The images I’ve seen remind me of Wānaka, in the South Island of New Zealand in the summer time with its hilly green landscapes and lakes.

Thank you Frederick and we wish you well with all your projects, especially the forthcoming 19th Asian Biennale in Bangladesh. For more information on Frederick's work or to purchase art please visit his website www.frederickworrell.com