Our New Zealander of the Year for 2004 was very much in the tradition of Dr Truby King (1907) and Suzanne Aubert (1910) because of his work to give the young and the newborn the best possible start in life.
Professor Peter Gluckman "is a world-leading researcher into the foetal origins of subsequent growth and health," said our editorial conferring the award.
"He has helped to develop a "cooling cap" to prevent brain damage in premature babies which has saved lives and prevented disability internationally."
Professor Gluckman, now the Prime Minister's chief science adviser, has also been a leader in commercialising New Zealand's knowledge.
