By 1News Reporters
Thursday 10:30pm

Professor Bev Lawton has been named the 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.


The awards honour the achievements and contributions of inspirational Kiwis
who have made positive contributions to the country.


Lawton (Ngati Porou) is recognised as a "pioneering force" in women's health
in New Zealand and is the founder of Te Tatai Hauora o Hine (National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa).


Along with driving critical advancements in screening for cervical cancer, maternal health, and indigenous health equity, Lawton also led the charge through her advocacy for New Zealand's historic shift to HPV self-testing as the primary method for cervical screening.


Her efforts made New Zealand the first high-income country to adopt the self-screening method.


In a statement, a spokesperson from the event said Lawton is a champion for "many communities", by building strong relationships, ensuring research is relevant and innovative, with her all her work grounded in community engagement.


"Her ability to disseminate important information about women's health more broadly ensures the profile of women's health in Aotearoa is elevated, and
she regularly contributes expert commentary to media, providing evidence, ideas, and opportunities for system transformation.


"Her research-informed policies and alliances continue to shape healthcare systems, tackle inequities and reduce preventable harm for wahine Maori and
all women across the motu."


The other finalists for this year's award were world champion kayaker Dame
Lisa Carrington, who is New Zealand's most decorated Olympian of all time,
and star rugby player Sarah Hirini.


Other winners
University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Te Matatahi o Te Tau 2025


Winner: Namulau`ulu Nu'uali'i Eteroa Lafaele (Auckland Tamaki Makaurau)


Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Matapuputu o Te Tau 2025


Elizabeth Ellis CNZM JP (Auckland Tamaki Makaurau)


Spark New Zealand Innovator of the Year Te Pou Whakairo o Te Tau 2025


Winner: Emma Lewisham (Auckland Tamaki Makaurau)


Genesis New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year Te Toa Taiao o te Tau 2025


Winner: Deborah Manning ONZM (Otago Otakou)


Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Te Pou Toko o te Tau 2025


Winner: Subash Chandar K (Auckland Tamaki Makaurau)


Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year Nga Pou Whirinaki o te Tau 2025


Winner: Lake Alice Survivors and Citizens Commission on Human Rights New Zealand (Across Aotearoa)


The Fisher Funds New Zealand Legacy Award Te Pou Turoa 2025


Winner: Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood (Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara)


Previous New Zealander of the Year winners
2010: Pharmaceutical scientist and inventor Sir Ray Avery


2011: Physicist Sir Paul Callaghan


2012: Weta Workshop founder Sir Richard Taylor


2013: Anthropologist Dame Mary Salmond


2014: Public health advocate Lance O'Sullivan


2015: The Warehouse Group founder Sir Stephen Tindall


2016: All Black Richie McCaw


2017: Director and actor Taika Waititi


2018: Aged care worker Kristine Bartlett


2019: Mental health advocate Mike King


2020: Director and actress Jennifer Ward-Lealand


2021: Microbiologist Siouxie Wiles


2022: Academic Sir Stephen "Tipene" O'Regan


2023: Maori astronomy expert Rangi Matamua


2024: Climate scientist Jim Salinger

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