We are proud to celebrate UC graduate Keegan Jones as one of this year’s YNZOTY semi-finalists.
Keegan is a lawyer from Whangārei who is transforming access to justice in Aotearoa. With a deep commitment to his iwi and community, Keegan founded Northland’s first collaborative legal services clinic in 2023, offering free, compassionate legal support grounded in Te Ao Māori principles. His clinics, which have helped over 200 clients, provide a welcoming space for whānau navigating complex legal matters.
Keegan has also pioneered a unique initiative combining legal education with community service, allowing UC law students to volunteer in a Te Ao Māori environment as part of their studies. His vision extends nationwide through the NZ Free Legal Clinics Project, inspiring similar efforts in Auckland, Waikato, and Christchurch. Known for his kindness and dedication, Keegan exemplifies how law can be a force for positive change, ensuring justice is accessible to all.
Read more about Keegan:
· Keegan Jones | LLB, BCom | University of Canterbury
· UC alumni provides access to justice with free legal clinics | University of Canterbury
Furthering the theme of UC excellence, we would like to warmly congratulate UC staff member, Professor Aisling O'Sullivan, who has been recognised as a semi-finalist in the Genesis New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year Te Toa Taiao o te Tau category. Founder of CELTS (Centre for EcoLogical Technology Solutions), Professor O’Sullivan is developing eco-engineered solutions for water treatment and resource regeneration. Her research, which includes biowaste water filters and green infrastructure systems, exemplifies the integration of engineering and nature to address environmental challenges.
2025 Young New Zealander of the Year Semi-Finalists
The incredible work of this year’s Young New Zealander of the Year semi-finalists highlights the diverse ways young Kiwi are driving change:
- Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele: A globally recognised leader and co-founder of Fibre Fale, empowering Pacific communities through technology and mentorship.
- Te Kahukura Boynton: Founder of Māori Millionaire, dedicated to closing the wealth gap for Māori and Pacific communities through financial literacy advocacy.
- The Reverend Zhane Tiopira Tāhau: A spiritual leader who has led wairua-focused disaster recovery efforts and fosters Māori unity through Te Kōtahitanga.
- Alexia Hilbertidou: Founder of GirlBoss NZ, inspiring young women across New Zealand to lead, innovate, and break barriers.
- Ella Scrivens: A mental health advocate using her lived experiences to transform crisis intervention strategies and support youth.
- Daniel Gamboa: CEO of the Refugee Youth Council, creating opportunities for refugee-background youth and amplifying their voices.
- Ben Purua: A former youth offender turned agricultural leader, supporting ex-prisoners and troubled youth through farming initiatives.
- Quack Pirihi: An advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental protection, empowering rangatahi through Mana Āniwaniwa.
- Nate Wilbourne: A 16-year-old climate activist and founder of GEN-Z Aotearoa, mobilising youth to tackle key issues like social justice and environmental change.
Read more about the 2025 Young New Zealander of the Year Semi-Finalists here>
We also extend our congratulations to our UC community members who have been recognised as semi-finalists in other award categories:
Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award | Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa
Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Award | Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau
Spark New Zealand Innovator of the Year Award | Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau
Ben Phillpotts-Scales and William Murrell
Genesis New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year Award | Te Toa Taiao o te Tau
The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa celebrate extraordinary individuals making a lasting impact across Aotearoa. We are thrilled to see UC represented among these changemakers and commend all the semi-finalists for their inspiring mahi.
