Giant-killing efforts at the Olympics means Kiwi sports stars head New Zealander of the Year nominees - with triple-gold ...
Giant-killing efforts at the Olympics means Kiwi sports stars head New Zealander of the Year nominees - with triple-gold medallist the hot favourite
- Rower is the most-decorated Olympian with three golds
- Much-loved shot putter is also on the list of nominees
- Microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles won last year for her work with Covid-19
By Ben Mckay In Wellington For Australian Associated Press
Published: 02:39 GMT, 7 December 2021 | Updated: 02:40 GMT, 7 December 2021
Sports stars, Dames, public health experts and a member of the government are among the nominees for 2022 New Zealander of the Year.
Sprint kayaker Lisa Carrington and much-loved shot putter Dame Valerie Adams are on the shortlist of 10.
Ms Carrington this year won three gold medals in Tokyo to become New Zealand's most-decorated Olympian, while Dame Valerie claimed a medal in her fourth-straight Olympics before coaching her sister Lisa to Paralympic gold a month later.
Lisa Carrington of New Zealand celebrates after winning gold in the women's K1 200m final
The pair are joined by Maori music champion Dame Hinewehi Mohi, retiring children's commissioner Andrew Becroft and nurse Dame Judy Kilpatrick.
Last year's winner was Siouxsie Wiles, a microbiologist and science communicator who helped New Zealanders understand COVID-19.
Lisa Carrington, with Jacinda Ardern, is New Zealand's most successful Olympian
Another trusted media performer, University of Otago professor Michael Baker, is also in the running, as is Conservation Minister Kiritapu Allan.
Ms Allan was this year diagnosed with stage-three cervical cancer, using the diagnosis to promote testing for the disease.
The award winner will be announced in Auckland on March 31.