Sir Eion Edgar, of Queenstown, was recognised by Prime Minister John Key at an awards ceremony in Auckland last night.
Sir Eion, New Zealander of the Year in 2004, was last night named Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year, recognising a lifetime of philanthropic service.
Inventor Ray Avery (62), of Auckland, was named the 2010 New Zealander of the Year.
Finalists in Sir Eion's category were international child protection campaigner Ron O'Grady, of Waitakere; and Diana Lady Isaac, of Christchurch, a conservationist, businesswoman, philanthropist and arts patron.
Sir Eion's positions included roles as chairman of Winter Games NZ, Queenstown Resort College, Forsyth Barr Group Ltd, New Zealand Stock Exchange and New Zealand Football Inc.
He was also the past president of the New Zealand Olympic Committee and a former chancellor of the University of Otago and was made an honorary doctor of laws by the university in 2003.
Sir Eion received the Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit in 1996; the Distinguished Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit in 2003; and National Business Review's New Zealander of the Year in 2004.
Sir Eion was last year also honoured for his contribution to Otago and New Zealand sport, receiving the Sparc Services to Sport Award.
He was also a member of the Olympic Order, recognising his contribution to the NZOC and sport in New Zealand.
Other recipients were:
Divya Dhar (24), of Manukau, Young New Zealander of the Year; Haami (Sam) Tutu Chapman, of Manukau, Local Heroes Award; Victory Village in Nelson, Community of the Year Award.
The five winners each received a trophy and $5000 towards their work from principal sponsor Kiwibank.
