Comedian turned mental health advocate Mike King has been crowned Kiwibank New Zealander of the year.
Mike King Photo: Supplied
Mr King is an outspoken advocate for changing attitudes toward mental illness.
Through his work with the Key to Life charity, he led a New Zealand speaking tour last year from Bluff to Cape Reinga, meeting with teenagers and listening to their experiences with mental illness.
Mr King wore white gumboots onto the stage at the awards gala in Auckland to promote Gumboot Friday on 5 April, where Key to Life aims to raise $2 million for free kids counselling.
New Zealanders were taking the organisation's message to heart, he said at the ceremony.
"There's definitely a positive attitudinal change happening, and people want change."
He told Morning Report all kids wanted to be loved.
"More importantly, kids want to know that their thoughts and opinions are valued by the significant adults in their life," he said.
"Upwards of 90 percent of our kids are getting their self-esteem from the approval of other people.
"There's nothing wrong with the kids. They're perfect. We're breaking them."
He said it boiled down to educating parents about "why we need to change our attitude, be more empathetic".
"Kids don't learn by what we say they learn by what they see."
The two other finalists in the awards were public health expert Marewa Glover, who has led the way in reducing smoking, and entrepreneur Lisa King, whose lunch delivery business matches each lunch sold with one donated to a school.
Chief Judge Cameron Bennett said all three finalists shared the defining qualities of "empathy, understanding and a passion for effecting real, positive change".
"These three remarkable Kiwis are worthy finalists for the title of Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year in 2019. They are tackling some of the toughest social issues facing New Zealand - issues that touch us all."
More than 2000 nominations were received for the award, which is in its 10th year, and was presented by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Young New Zealander of the Year was won by Christchurch's Kendall Flutey, founder of tech start-up for teaching financial education Banqer.
Senior New Zealander of the Year was won by Wellington doctor Bill Glass, who has spent more than 60 years working in occupational medicine. His work on toxic substances led to an asbestos exposure register, and eventually a ban on importing asbestos.
Wellingtonian Pera Barrett, who started the Shoebox Christmas movement in Cannons Creek, to provide Christmas presents to children in underprivileged areas was named Local Hero of the Year. The organisation now works with children and schools from Wellington to Palmerston North.
Pillers, a national organisation which provides mentors and support for children with a parent in prison, won Community of the Year.
Innovator of the Year was won by Ian Taylor of Christchurch firm Animation Research. The digital pioneer has helped design an education programme for prison inmates to learn how to read, while fixing cars in a virtual workshop.
Awards manager Glyn Thomas said it was important to celebrate those doing good work and making an impact.
"It's often said that the volunteers are the life-blood of the community, and when you get out around New Zealand and see the spirit that's in our communities, and the caring and humanity that's in our communities, I think it bodes well for the whole of New Zealand."
"People are encouraged by what they hear, the stories that are shared, and the awards provide a platform for winners gain a foothold in fundraising or credibility for their causes."
Previous winners include Dr Lance O'Sullivan, Dame Anne Salmond, Richie McCaw, and Taika Waititi.