Celebrate Equality! Voting is Underway for the New Zealand LGBTI Awards Finalists
By Ciaran Warner
The shortlist for the first New Zealand LGBTI Awards has highlighted the most exceptional individuals, businesses and organisations and their contributions to the LGBTI community, both in New Zealand and overseas.
Silke Bader, Director and MD of the New Zealand LGBTI Awards, says the purpose of the awards is to create role models and celebrate people, places and groups who have worked to support and spread the message of tolerance, equality and inclusion.
“We create an Awards Program starting with public nominations to nominate people and organisations who have done work to improve the lives of the LGBTI community. The Nominations create a shortlist across 15 categories including Sport, Politician, Music, Marketing campaign etc. The shortlist is the voted on by the public, and some corporate categories are being decided by our judges,” says Silke.
“Some community categories will be a weighted result; 50% public vote, 50% judges’ choice. In the event of a tie in the community categories, the judges’ decision will be final.”
The finalists were announced on July 1st, with the votes counted and the winners decided on August 31st. The winner will then be announced at the Awards Ceremony, at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland on Thursday November 29th.
“The Gala Dinners are a black-tie dinner including red carpet and a 3-course Gala dinner that includes the Awards Ceremony. The Winners are announced at the awards ceremony,” says Silke.
While many candidates will be familiar faces to New Zealanders, such as politicians like David Seymour, Nikki Kaye and Marilyn Waring, several categories include similarly well-known international icons, such as actors Hugh Jackman and Sir Ian McKellan, along with Kiwi celebrities including singer Lorde, actress Lucy Lawless, and film director Taika Waititi.
The shortlist includes categories for destinations and marketing campaigns as well as businesses and people, and its finalists have an extensive and diverse list of careers and accomplishments, from artists and activists to university lecturers, journalists and even policewomen.
Public voting also began on July 1st – click here to cast your votes!
Brand/Marketing Campaign Shortlist
Absolut, Amazon, Countdown, EY, NZME, Quantas, REINZ, Simpson/Grierson, Vector.
Community Initiative/Charity Shortlist
Flash Mob Entertainment, Gag Drag Collective, Promised Land, Qmunity Youth Gisbourne, Rule Foundation, Tiwhanawhana, Tranzaction, the James Wallace Arts Trust, WIPP.
Destination Shortlist
Auckland, Ireland, Las Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Palm Springs, Queenstown, Tasmania, Thailand, Wellington
Hero Shortlist
Bruce Kilmister – CEO at Body Positive Inc.
Dr. J.J. Eldridge – Lecturer
Jennifer Daruwalla – Editor at Outlet magazine
Nevin Godvindasamy – Filmmaker
Nick Winchester – Co-Founder and Mentor at Kindred
Rhona Stace – Senior Prosecutor at NZ Police
Roxy Coervers – Producer, Photographer, Artist
International Icon Shortlist
Conchita – Singer
Faustina Agolley – TV Broadcaster, Actress
Heather Peace – Actress, Musician
Hugh Jackman – Actor
Lea Delaria – Comedian
Magda Szubanski – Writer, Advocate
Ruby Rose – Actress
Sir Ian McKellan – Actor
Tegan and Sara – Pop Duo
Local Icon Shortlist
Aaron Chisholm – Paramedic and MAFS Contestant
Lorde – Singer
Lucy Lawless – Actress
Melanie Bracewell – Comedian
Peter Gordon – Chef
Ricky Devine-White – Activist
Samuel Levi – Fashion Influencer
Taika Waititi – Film Director
Urzila Carlson – Comedian
Media Professional Shortlist
Aziz Al-Sa’afin – Broadcaster
Joanne Carroll – Journalist
Kim Baker Wilson – Journalist
Mike Puru – TV Show Host
Olivia Caldwell – Sports Reporter
Music Artist Shortlist
Alex De Vries – Singer
Anika Moa – Singer
Annea Lockwood – Singer
Charlotte Yates – Singer
Gareth Farr – Singer
Hilary King – Singer
Iris G – Singer
Monique Rhodes – Singer
Noah Slee – Singer
Parson James – Singer
Organisation Shortlist
298 Youth Health Centre, Fletcher Building (Firth’s Rainbow Concrete Truck), Haka Tourism Group, Key Assets, New Zealand Police, Pink Health Otautahi, Rainbow Lifestyle Protection, The Warehouse Group, Weddingmoon Vacations
Politician Shortlist
David Seymour
Louisa Wall
Marilyn Waring
Hon. Nikki Kaye
Sports Personality Shortlist
Benjamin Thomas Watt - Boxing Judge
Blyth Tait MBE – Equestrian
Brad Weber – Rugby Player
Geovana Peres – Boxer
Kate Weatherly – Mountain Biker
Kim Dermott – Football Player
Leilani Tominiko – Wrestler
Takatapui Shortlist
Awa - Filmmaker and Mentor
Dr. Elizabeth Kerekere – Activist and Politician
Grace Falwasser – Activist and Public Speaker
Kevin Haunui – Activist, Sportsman, Events Administrator
Tai Waru – Activist and Entertainer
Contact New Zealand LGBTI Awards:
Email: silke@newzealandlgbtiawards.co.nz
Phone: +61 2 8097 0054
Website: http://www.newzealandlgbtiawards.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lgbtiNZ
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lgbti_nz
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.nz/newzealandlgbtiawards/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/112187441818861674708
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSbpixysMQ3czoelIgzixGQ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-zealand-lgbti-awards/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nzlgbtiawards/
Contact MediaPA:
Phone: 0274 587 724
Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nz
Website: www.mediapa.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MediaPA
Twitter: twitter.com/NZ_MediaPA
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