Climate scientist Jim Salinger has been named New Zealander of the Year.
Salinger has been one of the country's top climate scientists for decades, dedicating almost 50 years to his research — having begun his pioneering research in the 1970s.
The scientist's "groundbreaking" research included studies on climate change in the Southern Hemisphere, which helped earn him the Science and Technology Medal in 1994.
This morning, Salinger told Breakfast it was "humbling". He said he was "overwhelmed" and "very surprised" to get the honour.
Salinger has been one of the country's top climate scientists for decades, dedicating almost 50 years to his research. (Source: Breakfast)
Salinger has published more than 190 studies and was a lead author on the 2007 UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which earned a Nobel Peace Prize.
Recently, he won the 2018 World Meteorological Organisation Award and the 2019 Jubilee Medal for his life achievements in climate and agricultural science.
He continues to advocate for environmental responsibility, doing talks across the country, and is a founding member of the Intergenerational Climate Ambassadors.
His fellow nominees were football executive Dame Sarai Bareman and fashion designer Kiri Nathan.
Dame Sarai has been FIFA's chief women's football officer since 2016, working to grow the women's game around the world.
She helped bring the FIFA Women's World Cup to New Zealand last year.
Nathan is an internationally renowned fashion designer whose work is deeply rooted in te ao Māori. In 2017, she founded the Kāhui Collective, which supports the growth and mentorship of indigenous fashion creatives and entrepreneurs.
Here's a list of the other winners
2024 University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Te Mātātahi o te Tau Winner: Simran Kaur (Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland)
2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau Winner: Bob Francis (Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington)
2024 Spark New Zealand Innovator of the Year Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau Winner: Cecilia Robinson (Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland)
2024 MFE New Zealand Environmental Hero of the Year Te Toa Taiao o te Tau Winner: Nicola MacDonald (Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland)
2024 Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau Winner: Cyclone Gabrielle Volunteers (Across Aotearoa)
2024 Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Te Pou Toko o Te Tau Winner: Sally Walker (Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland)
2024 Te Pou Tūroa o Aotearoa, New Zealand Legacy Award: Sir Wayne Smith KNZM (Tauranga)
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