Mrs Davidson is one of three finalists in the ''local heroes'' category of the awards.
The majority of finalists across all categories are from Auckland.
She said she was humbled by her nomination in the awards, and ''could not believe'' she had made it to so far.
Millers Flat man Jim Barclay, who has worked with Mrs Davidson on various community groups, said she was ''just one of those quite selfless and extraordinary people and her involvement in the community has been in all facets of human life, from the young to the justice system and through to helping the elderly.''
Her profile on the awards website said she had ''made a significant, ongoing contribution to her district and community over a period of 53 years. The scope of her contribution to Roxburgh and the wider Teviot Valley community is vast, covering politics, health, education and welfare.''
It went on to list achievements such as becoming the inaugural president of the Teviot Valley Probus Club and working with Voluntary Help Teviot Valley and Age Concern Otago.
She was also made a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Roxburgh and District Lions Club for dedication to humanitarian services, and received a Community Service Award in the Central Otago Awards 2013.
Mrs Davidson said her work was ''just what you do''.
''To me, what I have done is just part of my life and I think there are so many other people who do things and they are never mentioned.''
A real estate agent for 28 years in the Teviot Valley after moving to Roxburgh in 1959, her community involvement began with the Roxburgh Borough Council in 1969.
She served 11 years before being elected Roxburgh's first woman mayor in 1980 and serving three terms.
She was a justice of the peace and a marriage celebrant.
The other finalists in the category are Trevor Clarke, of Auckland and Billie Jordan, of Waiheke Island.
An awards ceremony will be held next month in Auckland.
