Latest from New Zealanders of the Year

NZer of the Year: McCullum

In this year of years for Brendon McCullum his boldest stand was not taken on the fields of Eden Park, the Basin Reserve or Sharjah, but in a room with anti-corruption investigators.

NZer of the Year: Mary Quin

Sitting in a military helicopter after a kidnapping and shoot-out in Yemen, Mary Quin stared at the bodies of two fellow tourists, wrapped in blankets and lying at her feet.

Finalists for New Zealander of the year

School principal Banapa Avatea's quick thinking and decisive actions averted disaster in peak-hour traffic between Auckland and Waikato.

Gel massage keeps newborns' brains safe

Professor Jane Harding led the development of a cheap and easy way to treat an ailment that can cause brain damage in babies.

Firefighter saves family from burning car

As a trained firefighter, Buddy Harwood is no stranger to saving lives.

Hager's election book led to three inquiries

This year, Nicky Hager released a book which led to two government inquiries and a police investigation.

McCullum restored our faith

There was a moment shortly after Brendon McCullum reached 300 when he looked genuinely bewildered.

Close encounter in Yemen ordeal

Sol3 Mio sing way into Kiwi hearts

When someone suggested brothers Amitai and Pene Pati and their cousin Moses Mackay form a trio, they laughed it off, but Sol3 Mio became bigger than Lorde.

Heroic surf lifesavers

They didn't think it was a big deal then, and still don't. But teens Josh Jarvis, Fletcher Swan and Jayden Rutten don't deny their actions saved a drowning man at Mt Maunganui last summer.

Young climate warrior

Maintaining political momentum on an issue like climate change can be hard, public interest often glazing over at the frequent debate on emission targets and empty rhetoric.

Dedication pays off

Lydia Ko has never been to a friend's birthday party. That's part of the sacrifice and the secret of her success.

Business leader of the year finalist 2013: Peter Halkett

Amidst a tough retail environment, Kathmandu chief executive Peter Halkett has led the company through a solid year of growth.

Business leader of the year finalist 2013: Mark Adamson

Mark Adamson, the boss of Fletcher Building, has seen the share price double at New Zealand's biggest listed company.

World's best rugby player

There would hardly have been a murmur of dissent when Kieran Read was officially acknowledged last week as the best rugby player in the world.

Sporting Achievement of the Year 2013: Valerie Adams

It was business as usual for Valerie Adams, another way of saying the shot put superstar pummelled all-comers.

Author in world spotlight

This week we reveal our finalists for the Herald's New Zealander of the Year - with a focus on our bright young stars.

Don't take me seriously

When Ben Uffindell was told someone had taken him seriously, he laughed out loud.