The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards celebrate exceptional individuals and communities who contribute to the betterment of Aotearoa through leadership, innovation, compassion, and service. These awards recognise New Zealanders across various fields who are making a significant impact locally, nationally, and globally.
In 2025, the Awards gala was presented at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre - one of Auckland Conventions, Venues & Events’ premier destinations. This flagship venue was transformed to host a prestigious banquet for 900 guests, occupying the entire ground floor in a cocktail and seated banquet configuration. The event brought together a diverse audience: semi-finalists, finalists and their whānau, past recipients, sponsors, corporate partners, government dignitaries, media, and members of the public.
The event was delivered through a seamless partnership between Auckland Conventions, Venues & Events, Brown Bread, Kiwibank, and Collective Hospitality. Together, the team created an experience that was not only technically flawless but emotionally resonant - celebrating the people who embody the spirit and strength of Aotearoa.
The Viaduct Events Centre - located on Auckland’s stunning waterfront in the Wynyard Quarter - offered the perfect stage for this celebration. The venue delivered both visual impact and functional flexibility. The building’s modern architecture, expansive glass walls and open balconies created a light-filled, immersive environment, connecting the guests to the beauty of the venue and its surroundings. The seven adaptable spaces and capacity to host up to 1,200 seated guests, met the client’s needs with a focus on sustainability which is embedded in the venues’ design, from solar panels and energy-efficient systems to water-saving features and motion-controlled lighting.
