How Companions are elected

The consideration of nominations for Companion takes place once a year, following the end of April cut off date for nominations received. The process is as follows:

Selection of Companions

• The Academy Executive Committee considers each nomination against the criteria outlined in the Royal Society of New Zealand Act 1997, namely that the person has:
  • shown outstanding leadership in science, technology, or the humanities; or
  • made eminent or sustained contributions to the promotion and advancement in New Zealand of science, technology, or the humanities.
• The Academy Executive Committee recommends to the Council those nominations which it considers successful. 
• The Council considers the advice of the Academy Executive Committee, and decides whether to approve the nominations which are recommended. If approval is given, the nominee shall be invited to accept Companionship.