Anzac of the Year Award

The Anzac of the Year Award is awarded each year by the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association (RSA) to New Zealanders who demonstrate the spirit of the Anzac soldiers; people who serve others in a "positive, selfless and compassionate manner" and who demonstrate the qualities of comradeship, compassion, courage and commitment.

The Award was established in 2010, and in 2014 received the patronage of the Governor-General of New Zealand. Members of the public may submit nominations to a Selection Panel, which makes the final choice of recipient. The Selection Panel comprises three New Zealanders from the defence forces and the RSA, and the incumbent Governor-General.

The bronze statuette was designed by Captain Matt Gauldie of the New Zealand Army. It depicts two soldiers with a donkey, and represents the story of New Zealander Private Richard Henderson. During the battle for Gallipoli, the 19-year old Henderson was a stretcher bearer. He used a donkey to convey wounded soldiers from the battlefields to medical stations, at considerable personal risk.

The base of the statuette shows the Maori hammerhead shark motif, signifying Tumatauenga, the God of War.

Barbara Cunningham of Mataura, Southland, received the 2016 Award for her work establishing a community garden to help people who could not afford to buy vegetables. The community garden also took over the town's Meals on Wheels service for elderly people and extended the service to any needy people in the town, providing fresh, locally-made meals.

Louise Nicholas, rape survivor and advocate for victims' rights, received the 2015 Award. She had been nominated by the Katherine Mansfield Birthplace Association for her courage in demanding accountability over her allegations of rape by New Zealand Police officers despite significant opposition and scrutiny.

Banapa Avatea was the recipient of the 2014 Award. Avatea prevented a potentially fatal accident on State Highway 1 between Auckland and Hamilton; he noticed a truck was being driven erratically and followed it, eventually gaining an opportunity to board the vehicle and bring it under control. The driver had passed out at the wheel. The award was presented by the Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae at a ceremony at Government House, Wellington.

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Wikipedia