The three national treasures up for 2017's New Zealander of the Year have been announced.
The Salvation Army's Major Campbell Roberts, filmmaker Taika Waititi and Professor Mere Berryman are all up for the accolade.
Chief Judge Cameron Bennett says this year's crop personify how all Kiwis should strive to achieve.
"Whether they are serving civil society, education or the arts, the 2017 New Zealander of the Year finalists all share the values of courage, creativity and commitment - attributes that we as New Zealanders aspire to," he says.
"Major Campbell Roberts of the Salvation Army has dedicated his life to those living on the margins with compassion and commitment. He has challenged the status quo, even when at odds with the government of the day, and advocated for those most in need.
"Mere Berryman has been a lifelong advocate of incorporating Māori culture and values in the New Zealand curriculum. She has experienced first-hand the struggles of Māori children to achieve within the education system and set about enabling change that has benefitted many New Zealanders.
"As a filmmaker and actor, Taika Waititi embodies who and what it is to be a New Zealander. Audacious, bold and fun, Taika has taken New Zealand's identity and culture and celebrated it both here and internationally," he says.
Almost 400 New Zealanders were nominated for the award. The winner will be announced in Auckland on February 22.
Previous winners of the New Zealander of the Year Award are:
- Richie McCaw (2016)
- Sir Stephen Tindall (2015)
- Dr Lance O'Sullivan (2014)
- Dame Anne Salmond (2013)
- Sir Richard Taylor (2012)
- Sir Paul Callaghan (2011)
- Sir Ray Avery (2010)
Newshub.
