Vote for New Zealand's Emerging Leader of the Year

Ike Baker identified a strategic leadership gap at Tōmoana Showgrounds and played a key role in making the case for a dedicated management role, which he now holds. In his first year, he helped strengthen the Showgrounds’ operational performance, commercial direction, and community impact, supporting the delivery of 40 major events and welcoming more than 500,000 visitors.

Ike has contributed to stronger financial sustainability by diversifying revenue, attracting new commercial activity, and supporting partnerships that have delivered meaningful improvements to the venue. He has also helped build greater alignment across the equestrian sector, bringing organisations together around shared priorities and more consistent, evidence-based approaches to venue safety and decision-making. Alongside the commercial and operational progress, Ike has helped grow Tōmoana’s role as a community and environmental asset, supporting initiatives that connect schools, young people, iwi, community groups, and the wider public with the future of the Showgrounds.

As an emerging leader, Ike is recognised for his ability to identify strategic gaps, build trust across diverse stakeholder groups, and turn complex community, commercial, environmental, and operational priorities into practical outcomes. He is currently supporting the development of a 10-year Master Plan for Tōmoana Showgrounds, helping position the venue for a future as an independent Charitable Trust and a leading bicultural event hub. Ike was also a finalist for the EVANZ Rising Star of the Year award in 2025.

Katene Durie-Doherty is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most influential leaders in creativity, culture, and social impact, recognised internationally for advancing Indigenous excellence across the marketing and communications industry. As Head of Māori Culture at Motion Sickness, Katene leads the integration of te ao Māori into agency strategy and practice, helping shape the company’s reputation as one of the world’s leading independent creative agencies.

A passionate advocate for systemic change, Katene introduced board-level co-governance during their tenure as President of the Designers Institute of New Zealand and co-developed He Tangata, an industry initiative focused on strengthening cultural representation and inclusion. Their leadership has contributed to nationally significant campaigns, including the Māori Roll Call campaign, delivering lasting civic and democratic impact.

Named Te Hapori Matihiko Change Maker of the Year in 2025, Katene is committed to growing the next generation of Māori and Indigenous leaders through mentorship, governance, and community service. They continue to maintain strong connections to whānau and community through their work with Whānau Ora and Te Whānau o Waipareira.

Omer Hazer moved from Turkey to New Zealand at age 13, and by 15 had built and operated his first online business. While studying engineering at the University of Waikato, he co-founded InfluencerHQ, which grew into New Zealand's largest influencer marketing agency at the time.

Now 28, Omer leads Atlas Studios, a commerce technology company focused on Shopify Plus and marketing technology platforms, serving clients across New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and North America. The business surpassed $1 million in annual profitable revenue in its second year, with year-on-year growth of 250–300%. Atlas Studios actively exports high-value New Zealand commerce technology services to global markets, and has maintained exceptional client retention and strong staff retention through its growth phase, with a senior leadership team that is 50% women.

Omer's path has included significant personal adversity, including the loss of his father and financial hardship, as well as visa rejections that temporarily forced him to leave New Zealand, with his return supported by a letter from then Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. He mentors founders and students through the Young Enterprise Scheme and Auckland Business Chamber, and has spoken openly about navigating burnout and redefining his approach to sustainable leadership.