Actor and director Jennifer Ward-Lealand Te Atamira is the 2020 New Zealander of the Year.
The award was presented by the Prime Minister in Auckland last night.
Ward-Lealand was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit last year for her services to theatre, film, and television, including being an outspoken and determined advocate for actors' working conditions and pay.
She is also known for her campaigning for te reo Maori.
Ward-Lealand speaks to Susie Ferguson.
