2010 Recipients
Wellingtonion of the Year Winner
Ruth Gotlieb
Ruth Gotlieb has put in the hard yards as a Wellington City Councillor, serving seven consecutive terms for the Eastern Ward. She’s also been a regional councillor and on the Capital & Coast District Health Board. She called it a day after 27 years serving the people of Wellington.
Arts Winner
Taika Waititi
At the Qantas Film and Television Awards in September 2010, Taika Waititi scored an unprecedented triple header by winning awards for best director, screenplay and supporting actor for his movie Boy. He is also famous for Eagle vs Shark and contributions to the Flight of the Conchords.
Business Winner
Joe Letteri
Joe Letteri is a director, co-owner and unsung hero of Weta Digital. Over the last decade, he’s changed the definition of ‘what’s possible’ in filmmaking - these innovations ensure that Weta Digital continues to pull in filmmakers from all over the globe
Community Service Winner
Treena & Marcus van Rijssel
Treena and Marcus van Rijssel are the force behind the House of Grace, where young pregnant women have been going to learn about babies, and life in general, for the past 8 years. The house is staffed by volunteers, financed through donations and administered with love.
Education Winner
Dr Gillian Turner
Dr Gillian Turner has inspired many young scientists, working with science fairs, teaching, student advice and outreach at Victoria University. The publication of her book, North Pole South Pole, further conveys her capacity to captivate her audience, and to engender curiosity and lifelong learning.
Environment Winner
Karen Fifield
Karen Fifield, CEO of Wellington Zoo has led its greening - winning the 2009 Sustainable Business of the Year for the Wellington Region and 2009 National People’s Choice Sustainable Business of the Year. Karen says Wellington Zoo must ‘walk the talk’ in becoming the best little zoo in the world.
Government Winner
Ruth Gotlieb
Ruth Gotlieb has put in the hard yards as a Wellington City Councillor, serving seven consecutive terms for the Eastern Ward. She’s also been a regional councillor and on the Capital & Coast District Health Board. She called it a day after 27 years serving the people of Wellington.
Science & Technology Winner
Sir Paul Callaghan
Sir Paul Callaghan was one of the most influential scientists in the country. He was a world-leader in nuclear magnetic resonance and nanotechnology – real science that’s having a real impact on the world and New Zealand’s place in it.
Sport Winner
Ricki Herbert
Ricki Herbert is a household name in New Zealand thanks to the heroic exploits of the All Whites, and the Wellington Phoenix. His success has spurred Wellington on to become New Zealand’s football capital and has put Wellington on the global football map.
Youth Winner
Gabrielle Armstrong-Scott
14-year-old diver Gabrielle Armstrong-Scott was New Zealand’s youngest competitor at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, finishing 11th in the 1m springboard dive, and 10th in the 10m platform, setting a New Zealand record. She was also the current New Zealand Open 1m springboard and Open Platform champion.