After discussions with Sir Rod Drury, the New Zealander of the Year Awards Office confirms that as the recipient of the 2026 New Zealander of the Year Award he has returned the Award.
The New Zealander of the Year Awards exist to celebrate those whose contributions strengthen Aotearoa New Zealand and reflect the values of leadership, service, integrity and respect for others.
Any matter that undermines or calls into question those values is not consistent with the standards and expectations we hold for the Awards programme.
The 2026 New Zealander of the Year Award will not be re-awarded.
Each of our 2026 Winners shared the experiences, values, and people behind their work – reminding us that real change is built through dedication, humility, and care for others.
These are the voices helping shape the future of Aotearoa, and what a privilege it was to honour them last night!
#NZOTY #NZOTY2026
Lynley Dodd wrote & illustrated HAIRY MACLARY.. andddddd she’s the 2026 Fisher Funds New Zealand Legacy Award winner.. what an insanely epic Kiwi legend 😭🇳🇿
dop: @steffen_haavik_taylor 😘
Your 2026 @terunangaongaitahu New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year, Mike Casey!
Meet all eight of your 2026 Winners via the link in our bio!
#NZOTY #NZOTY2026
Your 2026 @fisherfundsnz New Zealand Legacy of the Year, Dame Lynley Dodd!
Meet all eight of your 2026 Winners via the link in our bio!
#NZOTY #NZOTY2026
Your 2026 @rymanhealthcarenz Senior New Zealanders of the Year, Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr!
Meet all eight of your 2026 Winners via the link in our bio!
#NZOTY #NZOTY2026
