Climate scientist Dr. Jim Salinger has been honored as the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year. Dr. Salinger is known as one of the first scientists to tackle global warming, dedicating nearly 50 years to the advancement of climate science. He was born in Dunedin in 1947 and has earned multiple degrees from various universities. Currently, he is a research fellow at Victoria University. He is well-known for his ability to communicate about climate change to the public and has conducted studies on climate extremes, including drought, and the shrinking ice volume in the New Zealand Southern Alps.
Dr. Salinger has received numerous awards for his work, including the NZ Science and Technology Medal in 1994 and the World Meteorological Organisation Award in 2018. In 2007, he was the lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which won a Nobel Peace Prize.
Other award winners include Simran Kaur, founder of the podcast Girls That Invest, who won Young New Zealander of the Year; Bob Francis, a man known for his community service, who won Senior New Zealander of the Year; Cecilia Robinson, a leading entrepreneur, who won Innovator of the Year; and Nicola MacDonald, a dedicated conservationist, who won Environmental Hero of the Year.
The Community of the Year award went to the Cyclone Gabrielle Volunteers, a group that provided aid after severe flooding. The Local Hero of the Year award was given to Sally Walker, an advocate for women who has worked to change the healthcare sector. The New Zealand Legacy Award was given to Sir Wayne Smith, a former rugby player and coach.
