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Young New Zealander of the Year

Te Mātātahi o te Tau

06 August 2023

The University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Award - Te Mātātahi o te Tau recognises a young person brimming with potential to build a bright future for Aotearoa, striving across the last year to improve or support their whole community and Tai Ao. Learn more about this award and check out our latest finalists.

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2024 University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Award

Met the winner and finalists of the prestigious 2024 University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Award Te Mātātahi o te Tau. 

Winner - Simran Kaur

Congratulations to Simran Kaur, the winner of the 2024 University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Award! 

Simran Kaur is the founder of Girls That Invest, a groundbreaking social media platform dedicated to closing the gender gap in investing. Her impactful work empowers women to unapologetically generate wealth.

Simran’s Girls That Invest podcast has garnered over 6 million downloads worldwide, transcending borders and inspiring countless individuals. She was honoured as a 2023 Forbes under 30 Honouree (Asia), recognizing her exceptional contributions. Her insights have been featured in TEDx US, Vogue, Business Insider, and Oxford Women in Business.

Simran Kaur - Winner of the 2024 University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Award.

Alongside Simran Kaur, we also recognize the outstanding contributions of the 2024 University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Award finalists Josiah Tualamali’i and Ihorangi Reweti Peters (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whaoa).


Finalist - Josiah Tualamali'i

Josiah is a UC postgraduate student who advocates for mental health and systemic change in the community. He has been recognised for his commitment to social justice and children’s rights.

As a wellbeing governance professional, Josiah champions children’s rights, advises the government, and advocates for positive community change. His active participation in the Pacific Youth Parliament at the age of 14 led him to co-establish the Pacific Youth Leadership and Transformation Trust. Following the Ōtautahi earthquakes, Josiah was involved in founding Youth Voice Canterbury, a network that empowers young people to have a voice and participate in decision-making. Additionally, he served as a panel member for the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction and volunteered with UNICEF and the World Health Organisation.

Finalist - Josiah Tualamali’i


Finalist - Ihorangi Reweti Peters (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whaoa).

Having grown up in state care, Ihorangi passionately advocates for young people’s wellbeing. As co-chair of Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission’s Expert Advisory Group, he provides valuable guidance on enhancing the mental health and well-being of young New Zealanders.

Finalist - Ihorangi Reweti Peters (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whaoa).


UC is proud to sponsor the Young New Zealander of the Year Award Te Mātātahi o te Tau and honour the outstanding contributions made by young Kiwis to the wellbeing of New Zealand.

Let’s honour these trailblazers who strive to make a positive impact in Aotearoa. inspiring young players across the world, and fundamentally changing the way New Zealanders think about Women’s Rugby.

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