Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who recently renounced his New Zealand citizenship, received the second most nominations for 2018 New Zealand of the Year Awards.
Despite, or perhaps because of recent controversy, Dunedin-based former Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei received the most nominations, meaning both frontrunners have Otago links.
Mr Joyce received the nominations after it was revealed his father was born in New Zealand, which made him a New Zealand citizen and put his place in Australia's parliament in doubt.
At first it was throught Mr Joyce's father was born in Dunedin, but the Otago Daily Times later revealed he was from North Otago town of Hampden and still has relations in the town.
A spokesperson for the annual awards said Joyce's eligibility for the awards will be assessed after nominations close on September 18.
Others nominees include Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton, broadcaster Kathryn Ryan, fashion designer Annah Stretton and celebrity chef Michael Meredith.
The judging panel will evaluate the nominations and a shortlist of 10 will be announced in December.
Awards manager Glyn Taylor said nominations came from all fields of achievement and community service.
"It's not unusual for people of the moment to attract significant support during the public nominations period," he said.
"We're looking forward to seeing the expected upswing in nominations in these final weeks. The independent judging panel will then consider each nomination on how a particular individual has contributed to making New Zealand a better place to live."
The annual New Zealander of the Year awards are in their ninth year.
The 2018 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year will be announced on February 21.
Previous winners of the New Zealander of the Year Award are: 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) and Sir Ray Avery (2010).
More information on the awards is at www.nzawards.org.nz
With NZME.
