Finalist in the 2012 New Zealander of the Year award category Dame Suzie Moncrieff congratulates Sir Richard Taylor, the winner of last night's award.

The award was announced at last night's 2012 New Zealander of the Year Gala Awards Dinner at the Langham Hotel in Auckland. The other category nominee was Dr Sharad Paul.

Founder of the World of WearableArt Dame Suzie says she was humbled by her nomination and being judged a finalist.

"It is an incredible honour to have been a finalist for this award, especially given the achievements of the hundreds of nominees," Dame Suzie says. "I'd like to thank the judges and all those who believe in WOW and its contribution to New Zealand's art community.

"Sir Richard Taylor and I have worked together many times over the years and I greatly admire his inherent talent and his commitment to the New Zealand creative industries," she says. "He is truly deserving of this win tonight."