Dean Barker honored as Man of the Year for 2013

(November 19, 2013) – Dean Barker and Eleanor Catton have been honoured as outstanding New Zealanders at an awards ceremony in Auckland tonight.

The pair were announced as M2 Magazine’s Man and Woman of the Year for 2013 at a star-studded ceremony at the Langham Hotel.

Ms Catton, who last month became the youngest person to win the Man Booker Prize, beat pop-sensation Lorde, businesswoman Leanne Graham, Lisa Carrington and Olympic champion Valerie Adams to win the award.

“Eleanor’s passion, her vision, her drive and determination to succeed are an inspiration for all New Zealand women striving for success and overcoming hurdles. At just 28, we can expect an amazing future from Eleanor,” M2woman Magazine editor Heloise Garrity said.

Barker’s humble nature following the loss of Team New Zealand in this year’s America’s Cup made him a popular choice, M2 editor Andre Rowell said.

“Dean is a tough competitor and his strength of character is a true reflection of the exceptional man he is,” he said.

“He fought hard on the water and although he didn’t quite get the result, he kept his chin up and remained dignified in the loss.”

Team NZ skipper Barker won the title over Team NZ boss Grant Dalton, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, Prime Minister John Key and businessman Rod Drury.

Last year, businessman Geoff Ross and Paralympic swimmer Sophie Pascoe won the titles.

Source: TVNZ