The long list, released yesterday, features 80 nominations - up from 58 last year - across 26 sports.
Black Caps captain and test run-scoring machine Brendon McCullum is arguably the early favourite in the sportsman of the year category, which has the most nominations (19).
McCullum will be challenged by the likes of world rugby player of the year Brodie Retallick, young Commonwealth Games gold medallists Anton Cooper and David Nyika, Kiwis star Shaun Johnson and NBA basketballer Steven Adams.
Also included in the category are no fewer than seven cyclists, including Cromwell rider Tom Scully, who won gold in the points race at the Commonwealth Games.
Another Otago cricketer and national captain, Suzie Bates, features in the sportswoman of the year nominations.
Bates has had another fine year but may be in a fight for third, given the category includes golfing sensation Lydia Ko, last year's supreme Halberg winner, and world athlete of the year Valerie Adams.
Otago rowers Hamish Bond (with Eric Murray) and Fiona Bourke (with Zoe Stevenson) are nominated in the team category, which includes the All Blacks, the Black Caps, the Kiwis, six rowing crews, two yachting crews and two cycling teams.
Former Otago coach Mike Hesson, who has guided the resurgence of the Black Caps, is a strong contender in the coach of the year section, alongside Wanaka freeskiing coach Bruce Wells.
They will have to get past five-time winner Dick Tonks (rowing), All Black coach Steve Hansen and Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney, among others.
Exciting Otago surf life-saver and swimmer Andrew Trembath is one of seven nominees for the emerging talent award. Also included is former Kavanagh College rower Zoe McBride.
Other awards to be presented are disabled sportsperson of the year, New Zealand's favourite sporting moment, the Sport New Zealand leadership award, and the lifetime achievement award.
There will also be new inductees into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame.
An academy of 28 former athletes, coaches and media representatives will vote to determine the Halberg Award finalists, which are announced on January 3.
Award winners will be announced at the 52nd Halberg Awards at the Vector Arena, in Auckland, on February 11.
