Xero Founder Named 2026 New Zealander of the Year

The man who revolutionized accounting for small businesses worldwide just earned his country's highest recognition for making New Zealand a better place.

Sir Rod Drury, founder of cloud-based accounting platform Xero, has been named 2026 New Zealander of the Year. The award celebrates not just his creation of a billion-dollar tech company, but his ongoing commitment to lifting up other innovators across Aotearoa.

Drury co-founded Xero in 2006 with a simple mission: make accounting software that small businesses could actually use. Nearly two decades later, that idea has transformed how millions of businesses operate around the globe.

After retiring as Xero's chief executive in 2019, Drury moved to Queenstown. But retirement hasn't slowed him down.

Kiwibank CEO Steve Jurkovich praised Drury's rare ability to turn big ideas into real results. "From transforming how small businesses operate and grow across the world, to backing the next generation of innovators and investing in the people and physical infrastructure our country needs for the future, his impact is far-reaching and deeply practical," Jurkovich said.

The Ripple Effect

What makes Drury's story so powerful isn't just building a successful company. It's what he's doing with that success.

Drury actively invests in emerging New Zealand tech companies and supports infrastructure projects that strengthen the country's innovation ecosystem. He treats his achievements as a launchpad for others rather than a finish line.

"What stands out most is his commitment to using his success as a platform to enable others," Jurkovich explained. The focus now is helping more New Zealand businesses start, scale, and succeed on the global stage.

The 2026 awards also recognized six other outstanding Kiwis. Lucy Blakiston earned honors for founding a youth-focused media company that reaches millions. Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr have saved nearly 800 children's lives in Palestine through their medical work.

Craig Piggott's innovations in global agritech and Mike Casey's sustainable energy contributions also received recognition. Māhera Maihi was named Local Hero of the Year for her work tackling homelessness and poverty, while Nelson's Safeguarding Children Initiative won Community of the Year.

Together, these honorees represent the heart of what makes New Zealand special: people who see problems and create solutions that help others thrive.