Te Herenga Waka semi-finalists in 2025 New Zealander of the Year Awards

Professor Bev Lawton (Ngāti Porou) from the Faculty of Health and Dr Mike Joy from the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences have each been named semi-finalists in the Kiwibank-sponsored awards.

Professor Bev Lawton ONZM has been named a semi-finalist in the New Zealander of the Year Award. The citation recognises her role as founder and director of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine—National Centre for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa, where she has “driven critical advancements in cervical cancer screening, maternal health, and indigenous health equity”.

2014 Callaghan medal-winner Dr Mike Joy has been named a semi-finalist in the Sustainability Leader of the Year Award. He is recognised for his position as a leading freshwater ecologist and science communicator. “Over the past two decades, Dr Joy has worked tirelessly at the intersection of science and policy, developing bio-assessment tools widely adopted by regional councils,” notes the citation.

Several other members of the University community have also been recognised in the awards. Alumnus Chris Grinter is a semi-finalist in both New Zealander and Senior New Zealander of the Year for his contribution to education, and fellow alumni Jenny Wake and Professor Tom Roa join him on the Senior New Zealander of the Year semi-finalist list. Alumnus Daniel Gamboa is a semi-finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year for his work supporting refugee youth and their communities.

Sustainability Leader of the Year semi-finalists Biz Bell, Dan Henry, and Sam Gibson are also members of our alumni community, along with New Zealand Innovator of the Year semi-finalist Simon Malpas. University donors Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood have also been recognised as semi-finalists for New Zealander of the Year.

The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhura o Aotearoa honour those who use their passion to make our country a better place. The awards recognise a diverse range of New Zealanders making a difference. Members of the public nominate their community members.

We congratulate Professor Lawton and Dr Joy, along with the other semi-finalists, and look forward to the naming of the finalists on 26 February 2025.


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