Tauranga woman named New Zealander of the Year finalist

HONOURED: Tauranga's Mere Berryman is a finalist for New Zealander of the year. PHOTO / SUPPLIED

A Tauranga woman is one of three finalists for the New Zealander of the Year award.

Associate professor Mere Berryman has been shortlisted as recognition for her work promoting Maori values in the education sector, and is one of just three finalists from 375 nominations.

The chief judge for the awards, Cameron Bennett, said the finalists shared values of courage, creativity and commitment, which were "attributes that we as New Zealanders aspire to".

Mr Bennett said that Mere Berryman had been a lifelong advocate of incorporating Maori culture and values into New Zealand's educational curricula.

"She has experienced first-hand the struggles of Maori children to achieve within the education system and set about enabling change that has benefitted many New Zealanders."

The annual New Zealander of the Year Awards are in their eighth year, and aim to "celebrate people who use their passion" to make the country a better place.

The winner will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala in Auckland on February 22.

Previous winners include Richie McCaw, Sir Stephen Tindall and Lance O'Sullivan.

Finalists

Mere Berryman, educator and researcher (Tauranga)
Taika Waititi, filmmaker (Piha)
Campbell Roberts, Salvation Army (Auckland)