🌟 Call for Nominations: UK New Zealander of the Year Award 🌟
Kia ora koutou,
In 2025, we commemorate the 185th anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi, a pivotal moment in Aotearoa New Zealand's history. This milestone offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the strong and enduring relationship between the UK and Aotearoa New Zealand, a connection that has flourished since our nation's modern beginnings. As we honour this significant anniversary, we celebrate the bonds of friendship, culture, and shared history that unite us, fostering continued collaboration and mutual respect. We mark this day with annual UK New Zealander of the Year Award, sponsored by Air New Zealand.
The New Zealand Society established this prestigious award in 1999 to recognise and honour New Zealanders or British nationals who go above and beyond their daily or professional lives to promote the most positive image of New Zealand within the UK. It symbolises the enduring bond between Aotearoa New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
✨ Submit Your Nominations for 2025! Whether it’s the quiet Kiwi delivering meals to those in need, the athlete inspiring youth, the compassionate nurse, a charity founder, or a pioneering scientist making a positive impact – we want to hear their stories!
➡️ Nomination Process: Visit the NZ Society website to download the nomination form and submit your nomination(s) before noon on Friday, 20th December 2025.
🎟 Special Prize Draw! Every nominator will have the chance to win a wine tasting voucher for two at Jeroboams and two tickets to a New Zealand Society (UK) event of the nominator’s choice from March 2025 to December 2025 (inclusive).
🏆 Award Ceremony: The winner will be celebrated at the Waitangi Day Charity Ball at the Hilton Waldorf Aldwych on 7th February 2025. The Prize will be presented by HE The High Commissioner of New Zealand, Head of Air New Zealand in Europe and the President of the New Zealand Society.
🎉 Join Us at the Waitangi Day Charity Ball! The annual Waitangi Day Charity Ball, the highlight of the NZ Society UK calendar, raises vital funds for the Society’s Charitable Grant Fund. This initiative supports incredible New Zealanders across the UK who are strengthening the ties between New Zealand and Britain.
The annual New Zealand Society Waitangi Day Charity Ball remains a beacon of kotahitanga, unity, and philanthropy, raising funds for the Society's Charitable Grant Fund. Through this initiative, we can continue to support outstanding New Zealanders across the United Kingdom who are dedicated to strengthening the ties between our two nations.
Our A Kotahi Rau Waka 100 Waka Campaign is part of that legacy. We are seeking at least 100 supporters who can commit to donating or fundraising £240 per year until 2027. This will help us push the fund to the £100,000 mark and then we can really get behind emerging kiwi talent in the UK in future
The full list of winners: Julia Maile 2024 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, Harry Mahon OBE 2002, Michael Campbell CNZM 2001, Sir Mark Todd 2000 and Peter Gordon ONZM 1999.
Thank you all for your support!
Ngā mih nui,
The Hon Clarence Tan President, New Zealand Society (UK)
Click here to see all previous winners, community winners and runner ups.
Click here to see guidelines, terms and conditions.