All Black Dan Carter named NZ Man of the Year

All Black Dan Carter named NZ Man of the Year

New Zealand’s pin-up rugby legend, Dan Cater, has sprinted past other sporting heroes, the Prime Minister, movie gods and television presenters to take the coveted Man of the Year title in the 2010 M2 Magazine Best Awards.

Being a world-class rugby player, successful fashion model, businessman, and considered to be a healthy role model — Dan Carter is now officially the man Kiwi men admire most.

Dan Carter is an extremely popular choice for Man of the Year, says Andre Rowell, editor of the men’s lifestyle magazine.

“There is, quite simply, just so much to like about Dan Carter,” says Rowell. “Not only does he possess incredible sporting talent, he’s also softly-spoken, humble and an exceptionally hard worker.

“His business achievements are as impressive as his sporting achievements – it’s easy to see why New Zealand men consider him someone to really look up to.”

Carter beat out fellow All Black Richie McCaw, Prime Minister John Key, film-maker Peter Jackson and television presenter Paul Henry for the top spot, deposing last year’s winner Scott Dixon.

But while Kiwi men continue to rate sporting prowess when choosing their Man of the Year, they value brains, beauty and skill in front of the camera when choosing their Woman of the Year.

Television 3 reporter and former Nightline presenter Samantha Hayes is the woman they most admire, ahead of international music success Ladyhawke, television presenters Pippa Wetzell (the 2009 Woman of the Year), Alison Mau and comedian and actress Jacqui Brown.

“Samantha Hayes is one of the few women in New Zealand who can cause a furore simply by changing her hair colour,” said Rowell. “But she is more than an attractive and a stylish woman — she also has brains and can hold her own as a reporter on complex and weighty issues such as the environment.

“A pattern is emerging in the winners and top nominees of the Woman of the Year award – Kiwi men obviously value the full package of beauty and brains.”

Readers were given a totally free vote in each category – they were not asked to choose from a predetermined shortlist. The voting took place from October to December.

The M2 Magazine Best Awards are insight into the hearts and minds of urban New Zealand men, says Rowell. “These awards show just what our readership of 25- to 49-year-old Kiwi men value.