The 2020 New Zealander of the Year Awards will be presented at the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala in February.
Our local heroes:
Dr Ahmad Taha is the Southern District Health Board’s only neurosurgeon and is on call 24/7. Ahmad has held this position for more than 10 years, saving the lives of hundreds through emergency and life-saving surgeries.
Ahmad is also a clinical senior lecturer and neurosurgeon consultant at The University of Otago. Here he trains junior medical staff, students, nurses, interns and postgraduate students in surgical sciences.
When he’s not performing life-saving surgeries or teaching the next wave of neurosurgeons, Ahmad contributes to brain tumour research groups in Dunedin as well as overseas.
Corinda Taylor started the Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust, after losing her son in 2014. The Trust works to prevent suicide and support those struggling with their mental health.
Through the Trust, Corinda organises Dunedin’s Annual World Suicide Prevention Day event. The event is attended by hundreds in the community who all come together to pay their respects and remember loved ones lost to suicide.
Corinda also runs numerous mental health talks and workshops for local schools and workplaces. She has provided a much-needed voice for suicide in Otago and throughout New Zealand and is working to help families receive better support following the death of a loved one.
Donald Waugh was a dedicated volunteer in Balclutha, serving multiple community groups.
Don was a regular delivery driver for the local Red Cross meals on wheels programme which supports the elderly and those recovering from illness with hot, cooked meals. He also supported members of the Blind Foundation by reading stories from the local newspaper over the phone each week.
He was also a loyal member of the local Rotary club and the South Otago Theatrical Society.
Don died in November.
Juanita Willems is the co-ordinator of Foster Hope Otago, where she works to improve the support for and lives of children in foster care.
This year, Juanita’s eyesight significantly deteriorated from a childhood injury. Despite this, she continues to work full time and undertake all the administration, fundraising, and agency co-ordination necessary for Foster Hope Otago.
Juanita’s dedication and leadership for Foster Hope Otago has bettered the lives of hundreds of foster children, with many now in loving and supportive homes.
Tahu Mackenzie has been a volunteer for the Orokonui Ecosanctuary for 10 years, helping restore and maintain a pest-free environment in the Orokonui Valley.
Tahu’s unique and creative personality has educated thousands of young conservationists and environmentalists over the years. Most recently, Tahu supported the Orokonui Ecosanctuary to launch Dr Jane Goodall’s Education Programme, Roots and Shoots. The programme empowers young change-makers to implement sustainability projects in their communities.
Tahu’s leadership has helped grow and inspire the next generation of conservationists to enhance the Orokonui Valley land for years to come.
Hannah Morgan was a multi-time national swimming champion, until a serious injury put her out of competition. During her absence, Hannah became involved in mental health advocacy.
Hannah later decided to return to the pool and commit to swim the Foveaux Strait to raise money and awareness for mental health. She trained 50 hours a week while studying in her third year of a law at Otago University before completing the 32km swim.
Hannah successfully completed the swim in February this year and raised $30,000 for the Mental Health Foundation and the Otago University Student Association’s mental health initiatives. Her leadership and dedication have inspired many other students to undertake charitable initiatives.
James Heath is the 2019 president of the Otago University Students’ Association. As president, he launched initiatives that have greatly improved student wellbeing and safety.
Throughout the year, James successfully pushed for safe substance testing, organised a Fox Glacier clean-up with 70 students, and increased local body election voting enrolments through his advocacy. Most notably however, James increased student access to mental health services which has improved the wellbeing of hundreds.
Following the Christchurch terror attacks, James turned his full attention to the Muslim community in Otago, hosting the Otago vigil and co-ordinating food packages for affected residents.
Michael Tonks is the founder of the ‘‘Game On’’ programme which supports soon-to-be and new fathers. The programme teaches fathers basic parenting skills and knowledge, such as the importance of infant and child nutrition.
Since the programme’s launch 10 years ago, Michael has helped many new dads, especially young ones, by teaching them vital parenting skills to care for their newborn children.
Michael is also the founder of the UpSchool After School facility to help children with doing homework and provide free access to computers.
Karla Sanders is the CEO and co-founder of the Alexandra Sticks’nStones, an award-winning bullying prevention charity.
The Alexandra Sticks’nStones began with about 30 teenagers in five high schools to help young people build their confidence and help others to feel accepted by their peers. It has since expanded into more than 13 schools, supporting hundreds of pupils in the Central Otago area.
Having secured funding, Karla is extending the Alexandra Sticks’nStones nationally through an online training programme and is co-designing two social and emotional learning programmes for school pupils.
Abby Golden is an inspiration and exemplary role model to the Dunstan High School community. She is part of the Student Council, serves as chairwoman of the Alexandra Sticks’nStones charity, and leads the Students Against Drink Driving initiative.
Abby volunteers with St John Youth, Central Stories and Ranui Rest Home. Her dedication and commitment to the local community and strong desire to make a difference have bettered the lives of many pupils and locals in Alexandra.
Barry Becker has a strong community spirit and always helps others where needed, like when the town water supply needed an upgrade in 2007. Today, Barry remains chairman of the revamped Oturehua Water company and continues to read the meters himself. Barry is chairman of the Oturehua Saleyards Company and Gilchrists Oturehua Store Ltd.
A passionate cricketer, he has held many local and regional leadership roles including umpiring. He has provided great support to Oturehua School and the Oturehua Winter Sports Club which have benefited immensely from his input.
Alex Gordon is a dedicated member of his community, volunteering much of his time to the Roxburgh Area Committee.
Despite being retired, Alex assists the committee with a wide range of initiatives such as a recent fundraising effort of $21,000 for additional rooms at Teviot Valley Rest Home Ltd.
Alex continues to play in the Roxburgh Brass Band, a group he’s been with for more than 60 years. He’s a great supporter of the local Rotary Club, which has a great appreciation for his years of commitment and leadership.
Ken Gillespie is deeply involved with various community projects and groups, including as chairman of Hawkdun Idaburn Irrigation Company, a not-for-profit working to improve irrigation and water management.
A retired farmer, for 20 years Ken has been operating tours through Hayes Engineering and is part of the Oturehua Winter Sports club, Otago Motorcycle Club and Oturehua Hall Committee.
Ken is heavily involved in the town’s heritage and tourism efforts, helping to put Oturehua on the map for the many tourists who visit the region. His commitment to the community has been widely acknowledged, with many viewing Ken as a role model.
Simon Hayes is a proud member of his community and is involved with several charities and community projects. Most prominently, Simon is the chairman of Abbyfield New Zealand, where he works to assist elderly throughout the country in charitable social housing.
Simon has continued to aid and raise funds for numerous local causes, including the Queenstown Lions Club, RSA and Queenstown Primary’s Board of Trustees. He has also previously spent two terms as a Queenstown Lakes District Councillor.
Terry Emmitt, along with his late friend Mike Paardekooper, built not one but two hockey turfs in Cromwell. The first was built 20 years ago. However, in 2016, the pair completed a new water turf with a pavilion which meets Olympic standards.
Neither Terry nor Mike played hockey themselves but their selfless gift to the community has hugely benefited many. The New Zealand Black Sticks have since hosted an international tournament on the grounds, and local youth teams have been steadily climbing through the national ranks.
Mike died in January this year, and the new pavilion now fittingly bears his name.
Annabel Bulk is an emerging viticulturist with a passion for organic farming. She works for Felton Road Wines to help it maintain and further enhance the worldwide reputation of Otago wine.
Annabel is also a member of the Central Otago Biodynamic Association and uses her knowledge of biodynamics to assist in native forest restoration and conservation in Otago.
Annabel has gained wide recognition for her professional and charitable work and is considered a role model by many young New Zealanders looking to begin careers in sustainable viticulture.
Brigette Paterson is a passionate and much loved local in the Roxburgh community.
Brigette is responsible for several town initiatives including the renovation of the public toilets. For the project, Brigette raised $130,000 to complete a uniquely designed toilet facility with an iconic facade that has successfully drawn the attention of tourists.
Brigette is the founder of the annual Cherry Chaos event. The event builds relationships between new and old community members to break down cultural barriers among international workers and locals.
Her efforts have fostered a greater sense of community and spirit in Roxburgh.
Margaret O’Hanlon is a dedicated volunteer in Queenstown with a passion for creative arts.
As a trustee for Creative Queenstown and the Queenstown Performing Arts Centre, Margaret makes a consistent and invaluable contribution to the local performing arts community.
Margaret brings with her a vast amount of experience, having worked as a singer, actor, director, vocal coach and vocal tutor. The leadership she displays for both Creative Queenstown and the Queenstown Performing Arts Centre has been to the benefit of many in the community.
