A Tauranga woman nominated alongside Richie McCaw and Mai Chen for the 2014 New Zealander of the Year award is also up for the Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year.
Frances Denz said she did not know who had nominated her but it was an honour to be considered for such prestigious awards.
"I feel very privileged," she said. "It is an extraordinary thing to happen."
The Otumoetai resident has been recognised for her work in business leadership and education in the Tauranga area.
Her company Stellaris, set up in 2005, is a centre for governance education and business training.