The semi-finalists for the 2022 Kiwibank New Zealander of the year is being announced.

Among the finalists is Whakatāne helicopter pilot Mark Law, who was 'first on the scene” and organised the recovery and transport of 20 people to hospital after the Whakaari/White Island disaster.

Another Bay of Plenty star making the list is women's rugby legend Ruby Tui from Tauranga, who 'ignited the nation with her natural charisma, talent and passion for the game”.

Whakatāne's Tāme Iti also is also making the semi-finals, after a 'monumental year” cementing his place as an artist and change maker who 'has shifted the course of history in Aotearoa New Zealand”.

'From thousands of nominations, these remarkable New Zealanders stood out; identified by our independent judging panel as upholding the mana and spirit of this much-loved awards programme,” says a spokesperson for the awards.

'These semi-finalists have continuously sparked joy across the motu."

Miriama Kamo, Te Koruru Patron of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards says "it has been an extraordinary year – marked with deep challenges, exhilarating celebrations and courageous decisions."

'And through it all, our Semi-Finalists have each demonstrated their unwavering commitment to making this country a better place for us all – stepping up to act as ‘pou,' as support and strength for whanau, for communities, for our country and beyond," says Miriama.

'It's an honour and a privilege to play a role in acknowledging the achievements of our 2023 Semi-Finalists.

'Ngā mihi nunui ki a koutou katoa. The annual Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards celebrate Kiwi from all walks of life; those who inspire, give hope and lead across seven Award categories.

'Earlier this year, the Awards Office called on New Zealanders to honour extraordinary Kiwi, those who use their passion to make Aotearoa a better place, by casting a nomination.

'Thousands of nominations were then rigorously evaluated by an independent and diverse judging panel, and the 10 Semi-Finalists per category were selected.

'All Semi-Finalists go on for consideration in the next round of judging, where they are carefully whittled down to just three Finalists in each Award category, to be announced Tuesday 22 February.

'Category Winners will be revealed at the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala Dinner, set to take place on Thursday 30 March2023 in Tāmaki Makaurau.”

To learn more about the 2023 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa Semi-Finalists and their incredible stories, visitnzawards.org.nz.

Below is the full list of the 2022 Kiwibank New Zealander of the year semi-finalists.

• Sir John Kirwan MBE OBE KNZM (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland) In 2022, Sir John Kirwan embarked on a 2100km journey across the country to raise money and introduce the Mitey mental health wellbeing programme into schools.
• Mark Law (Whakatane) In the aftermath of the horrific disaster on Whakaari/White Island, helicopter pilot Mark Law was first on the scene and organised the recovery and transport of 20 people to hospital.
• Professor Rangi Mātāmua (Kirikiriroa Hamilton) In 2022, Professor Rangi Mātāmua became known as 'the man behind Matariki” – appointed as chief advisor to the government on the Māori New Year.
• Dame Robin White DNZM (Masterton) It's been a year of celebrations for extraordinary artist Dame Robin White DNZM – who for over 50 years has portrayed people and their environments in Aotearoa and beyond.
• Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr FRS CNZM FRSNZ (Ōtautahi Christchurch) Distinguished Professor Roy Kerr FRS CNZM FRSNZ is an eminent mathematician, internationally renowned for a discovery that sparked a revolution in physics.
• Ruby Tui (Tauranga) Athlete, author and advocate formental health, Women's Rugby star Ruby Tuihas ignited the nation with her natural charisma, talent and passion for the game.
• Shaneel Lal (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland) As New Zealand celebrated 50 years of Pride in Aotearoa, Shaneel Lal was on the frontlines – igniting the country in a successful battle to end Conversion Therapy.
• Tāme Iti (Whakatane) 2022 has been a monumental year for Tame Iti: cementing his place as an artist and change maker who has shifted the course of history in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Dr Vincent O'Malley (Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington) Acclaimed historian Vincent O'Malley has spent decades exploring formative conflicts in Aotearoa New Zealand's history, offering essential knowledge to shape our collective identity.
• Jools and Lynda Topp – The Topp Twins (Methven and Kaipara) For over 25 years, Jools and Lynda Topp have made us laugh, made us think, advocated for good and ultimately made a deep and lasting impact on Aotearoa and the world.