New Zealander of the Year Award shortlist released

Sir John Kirwan is just one of the finalists who have made the shortlist for the 2015 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award.

The shortlist for the 2015 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award has been released this morning.

Among the finalists are a teacher, a doctors, charity workers and a sports personality.

Chief Judge Cameron Bennett said it was a "very tough job for the judging panel" to create a shortlist of just 10 inspirational Kiwis from more than 230 nominations.

"The calibre of nominations was very high," he said.

"Each of these individuals is extraordinary. Some have worked tirelessly to making other Kiwis better off, while others have inspired us through being the very best at their chosen fields.

"All of them are unique and special New Zealanders. They are all Kiwis of whom we can be very proud."

Among the shortlist for the sixth annual New Zealander of the Year Awards is rugby coach and mental health advocate Sir John Kirwan, KidsCan founder and chief executive Julie Chapman, Law Commissioner Judge Peter Boshier, and Auckland surgeon Dr Sharad Paul.

The awards are aimed at recognising, encouraging and rewarding inspirational New Zealanders from all walks of life.

In January, the judging panel will announce the final shortlist of three people, with the overall winner announced at a gala awards ceremony in Auckland on February 25.

Previous winners include Dr Lance O'Sullivan, who took the accolade home last year, Dame Anne Salmond, Sir Richard Taylor, Sir Paul Callaghan and Sir Ray Avery.

The 2015 New Zealander of the Year finalists are:

* Dr Sharad Paul: Surgeon and skin cancer specialist (Auckland)

* Sir John Kirwan: Rugby coach, mental health and depression awareness advocate (Auckland)

* Cassandra Treadwell: Chief executive and founder, So They Can (Lower Hutt)

* Sir Stephen Tindall: Founder, The Tindall Foundation (Auckland)

* Julie Chapman: Chief executive and founder, KidsCan Charitable Trust (Auckland)

* Barbara Ala'alatoa: Principal, Sylvia Park School (Auckland)

* Roana Bennett: Manager, Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Trust (Rotorua)

* Dr Susan Parry: Auckland City Hospital and Ministry of Health (Auckland)

* Cynthia Ward: True Colours Children's Health Trust (Hamilton)

* Judge Peter Boshier: Law Commissioner (Wellington)