Bev Lawton named New Zealander of the Year

Professor Bev Lawton has been named Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year for 2025 at a special ceremony held in Auckland on Thursday evening.

Lawton, a pioneering women’s health expert from Wellington, was recognised for her lifelong dedication to improving health care for women in Aotearoa, especially for Māori communities.

She is the founder of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine, the National Centre for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa, and has led major advances in cervical cancer screening, maternal health, and health equity. Her work helped New Zealand become the first high-income country to introduce HPV self-testing as the main method for cervical cancer screening—a move expected to save lives and improve testing rates for wāhine Māori, particularly in rural areas.

Lawton, who has Ngāti Porou ancestry, was praised by judges as “a true champion” who ensures her research leads to real change and who works closely with the communities she serves. Her ability to clearly share health information has helped raise awareness across the country, and her ideas continue to shape New Zealand’s healthcare system.

The awards evening also honoured seven other inspiring individuals and groups:

Young New Zealander of the Year: Eteroa Lafaele, a Samoan software engineer helping Pacific communities access digital tools

Senior New Zealander of the Year: Elizabeth Ellis, a leader in Māori arts and education

Innovator of the Year: Emma Lewisham, founder of a science-based, sustainable skincare brand

Sustainability Leader of the Year: Deborah Manning, a food-rescue leader helping fight food waste

Local Hero of the Year: Subash Chandar K, a YouTuber supporting students with free NCEA maths lessons

Community of the Year: The Lake Alice Survivors, who stood up for justice after mistreatment in a psychiatric unit

Legacy Award: Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood, generous donors improving healthcare and education