Mike King wins New Zealander of the Year award!

Mike King has won the annual New Zealander of the Year award for 2019. 

He was presented with the prestigious award at a ceremony in Auckland tonight by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. 

Mike is a mental health advocate and runs the Key to Life Charitable Trust. Mike was described by Chief Judge of the awards, Cameron Bennett as "a wonderfully complex and compelling Kiwi,".

Photo / Alex King

"His determination to shine a light on the effects and impacts of mental health, particularly among Maori and young people, is as uncompromising as it is confronting.

READ MORE: Ezekiel Raui receives the Queen's Young Leader's Award at Buckingham Palace

Miriama Kamo, TVNZ broadcaster and a judge at the event, posted to social media to say she was a proud judge, following the announcement of Mike King's award.

Mike also happens to be the father of our very own host of the Flava Freeride, Alex King.

Massive congratulations Mike, from everyone at Flava! The award is so well deserved and we are all very proud!

Kiwibank 2019 New Zealander of the Year category winners:

University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year:

Kendall Flutey (Christchurch)

Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year:

Dr Bill Glass (Wellington)

Mitre 10 Community of the Year:

Pillars (national)

Sanitarium Innovator of the Year:

Ian Taylor – Animation Research Ltd (Dunedin)

Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year:

Pera Barrett (Wellington)

Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year:

Mike King (Auckland)