Sarah Hirini and Dame Lisa Carrington named finalists for New Zealander of the Year Awards

Dame Lisa Carrington DNZM (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Ngāti Porou) is a world champion kayaker, and New Zealand’s most decorated Olympian of all time. She has won nine Olympic medals – eight gold and one bronze – across four consecutive Olympic Games. Over the past year, Lisa has continued to dominate the global stage, winning gold at the 2023 Canoe Sprint World Championships and adding three golds to New Zealand’s medal count at the 2024 Paris Olympics – the second Games she has achieved such a feat.

This year also saw Lisa become a best-selling author with her debut children’s book, Lisa Carrington Chases a Champion / Ko Lisa Carrington me te Toa Whakaihuwaka. Released in English and Māori language versions, the story is based on Lisa’s eight-year-old self and aims to inspire readers to overcome challenges. Known for being quietly humble yet furiously driven, Lisa’s discipline, resilience, and unparalleled commitment to her sport inspires people young and old across New Zealand and beyond – cementing her influence as a role model for perseverance, excellence and positive change in New Zealand’s sports community.

Renowned rugby union player Sarah Hirini ONZM (Ngati Kahungunu ki te Wairoa) is a true inspiration in the world of rugby. In 2024 – after making an incredible comeback from injury – she played a pivotal role in securing gold for New Zealand at the Paris Olympics. Even before the Olympics, the current New Zealand Sevens captain already has an impressive list of accolades to her name – including Sevens World Champion in 2013 and 2018, three-time Olympic medallist (Gold Paris 2024, Gold Tokyo 2020, Silver Rio 2016) Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medallist and seven-time World Series winner.

Hirini’s game is characterised by her tireless work-ethic and dogged defence, and in 2019 she became the first female player to bring up 200 matches on the World Series. Beyond her athletic prowess, Sarah is an advocate for mental health, using her platform to promote wellbeing in sports. Off the field, she’s involved in initiatives and has founded the Hirini Rugby Academy that encourage young girls to participate in rugby, showcasing her commitment to the sport’s growth and inclusivity. With her impressive achievements and positive influence, Sarah is a national treasure.

Credit: nzawards.org.nz