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Overview
This medal was awarded to intersex educator and counsellor Mani Bruce Mitchell (MNZM) who was a medallist in the Local Hero category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards in 2016. This category focuses on individuals who make a positive difference in their communities.
Mani has devoted much of their adult life to raising awareness about intersex and gender variance. They began laying the foundations for the Intersex Society of New Zealand (Aotearoa) in 1996. The society was officially launched in 1997 and became Intersex Trust Aotearoa New Zealand (ITANZ) in 1998.
Mani is considered the first person in New Zealand to publicly come out as intersex. They have contributed to initiatives to include intersex conditions in the fields of mental health, sexual health and medicine, and have helped many people on their own journeys.
In the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2021, Mani is believed to have been one of the first intersex, non-binary New Zealanders to be made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. They were awarded the honour for services to intersex advocacy and education.
Background
This achievement was in stark contrast to Mani’s first years. At birth (10 March 1952) they were assigned male and named Bruce Mitchell. But invasive surgery before their first birthday meant they were reassigned as female and named Margaret. They suffered further non-consensual surgeries at eight years old. Doctors advised Mani’s parents to keep their child’s intersex condition a secret.
In their 40s, Mani explored their childhood trauma of misgendering and surgeries, and emerged as an intersex person. They attended the first international conference run by the Intersex Society of North America in 1996. They began laying the foundations for the Intersex Society of New Zealand (Aotearoa) when they returned to New Zealand that year. The society was officially launched in 1997 and became Intersex Trust Aotearoa New Zealand (ITANZ) in 1998.
About the Award
The New Zealander of the Year Awards Local Hero category was sponsored by Kiwibank from 2016 to 2025. It celebrates everyday New Zealanders who make extraordinary contributions to their communities. Local Hero medallists are recognised for their selfless service, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether through volunteer work, advocacy, or community building, these individuals embody the spirit of generosity and dedication. Each year, up to 100 medallists are honoured across the country, shining a light on the powerful difference one person can make in shaping a stronger, more compassionate Aotearoa.
The woven tohu displayed on the medal is inspired by the weave of the New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhere o Aotearoa kākahu, Pouhine. It represents the strength found in unity - a celebration of individual leaders, innovators, and storytellers, all woven together by their shared ambition for a better Aotearoa. It represents the connectedness of people, communities, and culture in a modern, progressive Aotearoa.