Professor Peter Gluckman discovered that cooling could reduce brain injury in premature babies. (Paul Estcourt)
Professor Peter Gluckman discovered that cooling could reduce brain injury in premature babies. (Paul Estcourt)
Our New Zealander of the Year for 2004 was very much in the tradition of Dr Truby King (1907) and Suzanne Aubert (1910) because of his work to give the young and the newborn the best possible start in life.
Professor Peter Gluckman "is a world-leading researcher into the foetalorigins of subsequent growth and health," said our editorial conferring the award.
"He has helped to develop a "cooling cap" to prevent brain damage in premature babies which has saved lives and prevented disability internationally."
Professor Gluckman, now the Prime Minister's chief science adviser, has also been a leader in commercialising New Zealand's knowledge.
Corporal Willie Apiata was awarded the VC for going to the aid of a fallen comrade while under heavy fire. (Alan Gibson, NZ Herald Archive)
While serving in Afghanistan, SAS corporal Willie Apiata went to help a fallen comrade in the heat of battle. In an extraordinary feat of courage - not to mention strength - he carried the wounded man across 70m of open ground while fully exposed to heavy fire.
Looking back, Willie Apiata VC is our New Zealander of the Year for 2004.
