We're a step closer to determining the 2020 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.
The shortlist is out, and includes children's rights champion Anne Gaze, cancer campaigner David Downs and vaccinologist Helen Petousis-Harris.
Awards manager Anne Rodda told Newshub there were nearly 1000 nominations for the main award.
"This process means that you're recognised by your peers and by the country. So that's got to be really at the core of it - that's the beauty of the whole thing. This is what the country thinks."
Rocket Lab founder Peter Beck, performing arts champion Jennifer Ward-Lealand and reproductive rights campaigner Dame Margaret Sparrow are also among those still in the running.
The other categories include Innovator of the Year, Community of the Year, Local Hero of the Year, Senior New Zealander of the Year and Young New Zealander of the Year.
Rodda says the other categories are about honouring those who may not always be recognised.
"Friends of the community award - these are people or organisations that are doing amazing work for amazing communities, and they might not be getting picked up."
The three finalists for the main award will be announced next month, and the overall winners in February.
"With courage, humility, empathy and determination, they've taken real actions to help solve some of the big challenges this country faces," said chief judge Cameron Bennett. "Their remarkable contributions help make New Zealand that much better of a place to live."
A full list of the nominees can be found on nzawards.org.nz.
Nominees for Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year
- Anjum Rahman (Hamilton)
- Anne Gaze (Auckland)
- Dame Margaret Sparrow (Wellington)
- David Downs (Auckland)
- Dr Helen Petousis-Harris (Auckland)
- Jennifer Ward-Lealand Te Atamira (Auckland)
- Peter Beck (Auckland)
- Professor Jane Harding (Auckland)
- Stacey Shortall (Wellington)
- Tapu Misa (Auckland)
Previous winners
- Mike King (2019)
- Kristine Bartlett (2018)
- Taika Waititi (2017)
- 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)
