Countdown Senior New Zealander of the Year Award Nominations Open

Nominations are now open for the Countdown Senior New Zealander of the Year award, celebrating outstanding service, achievements and contributions from senior New Zealanders.

The award is part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2012, with winners announced at a gala awards dinner in Auckland in February 2012.

This is the second year Countdown has been a patron of the Senior New Zealander of the Year award. Managing Director of Countdown, Dave Chambers, said the company was proud to honour and thank senior New Zealanders who have been inspirations to their communities.

“It’s so easy for us to overlook the wealth of experience and wisdom our senior Kiwis have, and this award really celebrates the service, tireless efforts, and exceptional contributions seniors make to our communities,” Mr Chambers said.

Nominations for the Countdown Senior New Zealander of the Year are open to all New Zealanders aged 60 years and over, and nominations close on Friday 14 October 2011.

Last year’s winner, Alison Neill of Fairlie in South Canterbury, won the award for her work in setting up and operating Moreh, a residential facility providing free care for the elderly and infirm. Alison has operated the facility since 1979, and due to her passion and dedication she has become known to locals as the ‘Angel of Fairlie’.

The New Zealander of the Year Awards 2012 comprise five categories: Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, Countdown Senior New Zealander of the Year, Coca-Cola Amatil Young New Zealander of the Year, Mitre 10 Community of the Year and Kiwibank Local Heroes.

Each category winner will receive a trophy and $5,000, with their achievements recognised at the gala awards dinner. Nomination forms are available in all Countdown stores or online at www.nzawards.org.nz.

“We encourage all New Zealanders to nominate a senior Kiwi who they think has done something great in their community and deserves recognition,” Mr Chambers said.