Local advocate shortlisted for New Zealander of the year

Local victim rights' advocate Louise Nicholas is one of 10 Kiwis to be shortlisted for New Zealander of the year.

Ms Nicholas is a tireless campaigner for better recognition of victims' rights and making the justice system more sympathetic and accessible to victims.

Her story has been well documented through the media, in book and in film. Her strength, courage and determination, in the face of adversity, has led to significant change in legislation and public attitudes.

Ms Nicholas rose to national prominence when she claimed that, as a teenager in Rotorua, she was raped by four policemen.

Her decision to go public with her story and seek accountability for what happened saw her battle through five court cases. Her case rocked the justice system and, after a 2007 commission of inquiry, senior police were forced to confront how officers treated sexual violence victims.

Since then, Ms Nicholas has dedicated her life to advocate for preventing sexual violence and achieving better recognition of victim rights in the justice system.

She works with the police to improve their support for all victims and her compassion and strength has helped those who struggle to be heard. This work includes promoting changes to name suppression laws.

Earlier this year, she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the prevention of sexual violence.