The organisers of the 2017 New Zealander of the Year awards have struck Helen Kelly off the list of nominees, saying her death makes her ineligible.
The former union boss was the most popular choice when nominations closed last month, receiving 108 of the 375 public nominations for the award.
National awards manager Glyn Taylor told Newshub that rules stipulate if someone passes away, they are no longer eligible for the accolade.
"She cannot win the overall [New Zealander of the Year category] because unfortunately she's passed away," Mr Taylor said.
Ms Kelly died from lung cancer on October 14, two weeks after nominations closed on September 30.
Mr Taylor says it's too late to change the rules now as the process to select a candidate has already begun.
"Rules cannot be bent otherwise you have anarchy so the rules are what the rules are.
"For the current process it is what it is, but we will make due reference to the outstanding commitments she made to New Zealand at our gala,"
Mr Taylor adds it's important to note the award is not selected on the number of nominations.
The news has infuriated supporters of Ms Kelly. Close friend Maryanne Butler-Finlay says it's incredibly disrespectful.
"Everybody's put their heart and soul into this lady and she's put her heart and soul into everybody else," Ms Butler-Finlay said.
"Surely, surely she should be able to get that recognition."
Ms Butler-Finlay is calling on the organisers to change the rules as Ms Kelly was still alive when nominations closed.
A shortlist of the top 10 candidates will be announced in December.
Newshub.
