Tēnā koe.

I am delighted and extremely proud in the 183rd year of the Treaty of Waitangi to announce the winner of the UK New Zealander of the Year Award 2023: Mr Craig Fenton

Craig received the award at the 290 people filled ballroom of the Waldorf Hotel in central London on the 3rd February. The award was bestowed by the High Commissioner which included a handmade korowai by whaea Jackie Naylor Ngāti Rānana, a pounamu and a trip to Portugal sponsored by Stoke Travel. It was a magical evening with people dressed up in evening dressed and black tie attire.

Craig received the award for being a dedicated and inspiring leader, Craig is always kind in offering time, insights, connections and support for fellow kiwi, kiwi exporters and businesses, especially those that work across the U.K., Ireland and European markets. Craig has certainly put New Zealand on the global map. His nomination focusses on his extracurricular activities. Outside of work Craig is very generous with his time, knowledge and supports many New Zealand charity organisations based offshore. He and his family support and give to so many initiatives and events that involve the NZ Community, including Te Papa Foundation, Auckland University Alumni, Kea New Zealand as well as the broader NZ Inc whānau at NZ High Commission and NZ Trade and Enterprise. Craig also supports his local communities via the work he does with the music industry, nurturing many young and entrepreneurial future leaders.

He will join an esteemed list of winners: Corey Baker 2022, Tania Bearsley 2020, Ereti Mitchell 2019, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ONZ CH DBE AC 2018, Lady Alexandra Smith 2017, Mark Wilson 2016, Katherine Corich 2015, Eric Tracey 2014, Bronwen Horton 2013, Kent Gardner 2012, Terry Smith 2011, Anna Hansen MBE 2010, Esther Kerr Jessop ONZM, QSM 2009, Dr Ian Conrich 2008, Jonathan Rennie 2007, Tom & Susan Glynn 2006, Peter Leslie 2005, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas 2004, The Rt. Hon Don McKinnon 2003, Harry Mahon OBE 2002, Michael Campbell CNZM 2001, Sir Mark Todd 2000 and Peter Gordon ONZM 1999.

I would like to acknowledge the other three incredible finalists: Marianne Harper, Dr Tom Dawson and Miles Kirby. Each finalist brings such a wealth of generosity, knowledge, energy and initiative into deepening the already strong links between Aotearoa NZ and the UK. All extraordinary finalists are this year’s Southern Cross most brightly shining examples of that unique ‘get stuck in Kiwi spirit’ and sharing of aroha, experience and knowledge.

The community stands in the centre of what they achieved and are continue to achieve. It is this simplicity of community engagement that makes it so universally appealing: simple happenings that formed the starting point of many people being positively affected. We congratulate all the nominees and finalists on behalf of our wider community, without who’s belief in and support of this prestigious Award we would not be in a position to so meaningfully thank our finalists and recipients for their contribution to our shared NZ / UK community.

The Committee and Membership of the New Zealand Society would like to thank all our sponsors, supporters and suppliers for the Waitangi Day Ball 2023. A mssive thank you to our food, wine and beverage sponsors for their support and making it a delicious evening. We would also like to wholeheartedly like to thank the amazing New Zealand Symphony Orchestra their singers and musicians, Carleen Ebbs in particular. Thank you to the wonderful Ngāti Rānana, our incredible auctioneer Charles Foley and of course the delightful MC - Emma Keeling! It was a spectacular evening. Thank you to those who supported us on the night by buying a ticket and sharing this special evening with us. Of course a massive thank you to those who donated prizes for the raffle and auction!

The annual New Zealand Society Waitangi Day Charity Ball is the biggest event on the NZ Society UK calendar, raising funds for the Society’s Charitable Grant Fund, which allows the Society to support New Zealanders from across the United Kingdom who are doing amazing things to strengthen ties between NZ and the UK.

Ngā mih nui,

The Hon Clarence Tan
President, New Zealand Society (UK)