Technology entrepreneur Rod Drury has been named 2026 New Zealander of the Year after being recognised for his long-standing contribution to business innovation and national development.
Best known for co-founding Xero in 2006 and building it into a global billion-dollar software company, Sir Rod was praised for continuing to invest in New Zealand’s future through support for new businesses, infrastructure and innovation.
Kiwibank chief executive Steve Jurkovich said Drury’s influence extended well beyond technology, highlighting his role in helping New Zealand businesses grow and creating opportunities for others.
Other award recipients included Lucy Blakiston, Alan Kerr and Hazel Kerr for humanitarian work in Palestine, along with Craig Piggott, Mike Casey and Māhera Maihi, while the Safeguarding Children Initiative received Community of the Year.
These people aren’t worthy of a knighthood. I can think of multiple people in my community who do far more things that makes real life every day differences to other people, they are the REAL hero’s, not some rich lister.