Every so often the attention of the public is drawn to a person who exemplifies what it means to be truly human. A person who not only espouses notions of integrity, justice and equality but whose life-long work is focussed on pursuing those values in everything that she does. Helen Kelly was such a person.

As she died in dignity during October 2016 Helen Kelly was surrounded by family and friends and by those who eulogised her achievements as the first woman president of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions. As an advocate for a fair wage and for better health and safety regulations Helen Kelly generated hope among working families that the institutions and conditions that have produced an inherently unequal society are capable of being changed.

It was Helen Kelly’s faith in working people that inspired so many New Zealanders, from the Pike River families to Iwi leaders as they negotiated a new employment agreement with the freezing industry. Her battles with Warner Brothers and with the Ports of Auckland inspired people from all walks of life who recognised an advocate par excellence, a ‘beautiful friend’ – someone who invested so much in this country. For many of us she will be our New Zealander of the year.