Architect Jonathan Rennie was presented with
the prestigious New Zealander of the Year award sponsored by Air New
Zealand at the annual New Zealand Society Waitangi Day dinner in London
on Friday 2 February 2007. Mr Rennie was honoured in recognition of his
work on the New Zealand memorial which was dedicated by The Queen at
Hyde Park Corner on 11 November 2006. The award recognises the
outstanding contribution that a New Zealand or British national has made
in presenting a positive image of New Zealand in the United Kingdom. Mr
Rennie was the London representative of the memorial project team and
represented Athfield Architects Ltd who, in partnership with Dibble Art
Company, were chosen to design the memorial.
On presenting the Air New Zealand sponsored
award, the airline's European General Manager, Scott Carr said "We are
delighted to give the award to Jonathan Rennie. I had the honour of
attending the New Zealand memorial dedication last year which was a
tremendous day for New Zealanders. Jonathan's input into the project was
invaluable in creating such a lasting tribute at Hyde Park Corner which
all New Zealanders can identify with and feel proud to be a kiwi."
Mr Rennie said that he was delighted to
receive the award and wished to acknowledge all those who had played a
role in the memorial project as it was very much a team effort.
Recognition was also given to the other nominees and finalists, who had
all made significant contributions in a range of activities enhancing
New Zealand's profile in the United Kingdom. This year saw a record
number of nominations from ballet dancers to rugby league players which
is testament both to how the award has grown and to the diversity of
achievement by New Zealanders in the United Kingdom.
The runners up were John Buchanan and Dr Tim Drysdale. John Buchanan is
a businessman who has held directorships on a number of UK companies,
including BP, and was named in the Times Power 100 in 2006. Dr Tim
Drysdale is a scientist recognised for his leadership in communication
of science, most notably at an exhibit at Buckingham Palace last year.
The annual dinner was attended by the Rt
Hon Jonathan Hunt ONZ as High Commissioner and patron of the New Zealand
Society, with messages from the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark MP
and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh adding to the event, which boasted a five
course meal of New Zealand beverage and produce and performance by the
London based Maori culture club Ngati Ranana.
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