A British microbiologist who became a household name by giving expert advice during the Covid-19 pandemic has been named the 2021 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year - TePou Whakarae o Aotearoa. Renowned microbiologist and science communicator Dr Siouxsie Wiles MNZM was presented the prestigious Kiwibank kaitaka huaki cloak, Pouhine, on Wednesday night. Dr Siouxsie Wiles has won numerous prizes for her efforts in demystifying science and making it easier for people to understand. • Academic and author Dr Doug Wilson was the Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau. • Environmental engineer Shannon Te Huia was awarded the Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Te Pou Toko o te Tau.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 31, 2021 18:40 UTC