Nine of Aotearoa’s favourite stars, including Hayley Sproull, Nadia Lim, Scotty Morrison, and Samantha Hayes, and more, are in the running for Personality of the Year at the New Zealand Screen Awards. Find out what the nomination means to them, why they think they deserve your vote, and how they plan to celebrate if they win.
Anapela Polataviao
Tinā actress
What does it mean to you to be nominated?
It means the character of Mareta has served her purpose and made an impact on screen.
Why should we vote for you?
Because you’ll get the jandal if you don’t – with love, of course!
How will you celebrate if you win?
I’ll make my mum watch Tinā one time. Just kidding. I’ll treat her to a massage and dinner with the family.
Nepia Takuria-Mita
Shortland Street & Ahikāroa actor
What does it mean to you to be nominated?
There’s so much work and energy that goes into being on screen, so to be recognised means heaps. It almost feels like impostor syndrome to be considered alongside some amazing people!
How will you celebrate if you win?
I’ll take my darling out for dinner as she’s the one who holds it down at home and allows me the wiggle room to do what I do.
Laura McGoldrick
Sky Sport Presenter
What does it mean to you to be nominated?
I feel incredibly honoured. There are so many amazing people behind the scenes who work so hard to make great television, and I just get to stand in front of the camera and talk to everyone at home. I’m part of an incredible team and feel so lucky to get to do what I do.
If you win, you’ll follow in the footsteps of legends, like Bella Kalolo-Suraj and Bree Tomasel. How does that feel?
It’s wild! They’re amazingly talented people who deserve it.
Samantha Hayes
ThreeNews Presenter
What does it mean to you to be nominated?
I’m very excited. ThreeNews is a news-focused show, so it’s nice to think there’s a little bit of personality shining through and I’m still connecting with our viewers after almost 20 years. My kids think getting the nomination is pretty cool, so that’s a win already!
How will you celebrate if you win?
Winning this would be quite emotional. We’ve had a tumultuous year or two with the Newshub shutdown and the launch of the new bulletin, so a win would reflect the efforts of the whole team. I’d celebrate by taking the kids out for a fluffy and a slice of cake – the ThreeNews team can come too!
Nadia Lim
Nadia’s Farm Presenter
What does it mean to you to be nominated?
It’s such a lovely recognition. It’s a privilege to bring more awareness to New Zealand farming, hopefully inspiring people to cook and enjoy the incredible produce our country grows.
How will you celebrate if you win?
By dedicating the award to the people who grow our food, including my husband Carlos – they’re the real heroes.
If you win, you’ll follow in the famous footsteps of legends, like Toni Street and Hayley Holt. How does that feel?
You’ve just listed two of my absolute favourite Kiwis, so it feels pretty amazing!
Hayley Sproull
Taskmaster NZ winner
What does it mean to you to be nominated?
As someone who desperately needs to be liked, I like it.
If you win, you’ll follow in the famous footsteps of legends, like Matty McLean and Hilary Barry. How does that feel?
Is Matty aware you’ve called him a legend? If not, please don’t inform him – he’ll be a nightmare at our next drinks. But it’s been my lifelong dream to be half the woman that is Hilary. Call me Hilary Sproull. That’s half of Hilary Barry, right?
Why should we vote for you?
Because I’ve told Woman’s Day more about myself than I’ve told my own mother.
How will you celebrate if you win?
I’ll have drinks with intolerable legend Matty.
Scotty Morrison
Te Karere Presenter
What does it mean to you to be nominated?
When I look at the other screen personalities who’ve won, it does make me feel rather inadequate! But it’s great recognition for the programmes I’m on – Te Karere, Marae and the Origins doco series. Hopefully, people watch these shows and feel a connection to New Zealand in a way they haven’t before.
Why should we vote for you?
Because I’m a Woman’s Day reader! You’re all invited to the party if I win.
Guy Montgomery
Guy Mont-Spelling Bee Host
What does it mean to you to be nominated?
It means I lost it when I was nominated in 2023! I’m excited for the opportunity to lose again to an exciting new batch of contenders. It feels like there’s a more influential person who belongs in the pantheon of previous winners, rather than a comedian who irritates his peers by making them spell words.
Why should we vote for you?
All I can say to the esteemed readers of Woman’s Day is that when you’re at the ballot box, please remember that if I win, I’ll travel the country shaking hands and thanking you for your service.
JP Foliaki
Celebrity Treasure Island Winner
What does it mean to you to be nominated?
A lot! I’ve always encouraged others to lean in to what comes natural to them – their talents, their culture, their dreams and aspirations, all of which make up one’s personality. So I’m grateful that’s something I’m being recognised for. All the previous winners and nominees are icons in their own right.
Why should we vote for you?
Because I’ve got the best personality, isn’t that what this category is about? Love you guys!
Voting for the New Zealand Screen Awards’ Personality of the Year is now open until 14 November.
To vote, visit nzscreenawards.co.nz.
