Next week, we'll ask you to vote from a shortlist of 10 leading nominees.
KEY POINTS:
Former and current sportspeople feature prominently in readers' nominations for the greatest living New Zealander.
One year after Sir Edmund Hillary's death, the Herald is searching for the man or woman who stands out as deserving the accolade, representing outstanding achievement and service.
Colin Meads, Peter Snell, Mahe Drysdale, Barbara Kendall, Sir Murray Halberg, and John Walker were all suggested by readers.
Meads and Halberg in particular were favoured for their work beyond their codes for the IHC and disabled children respectively.
Another sportperson who has been thrown into the vote is 88 year-old Fred Allen, who served New Zealand rugby as All Black captain, undefeated coach, selector and national administrator. He served as commando and infantry officer in World War II, and does voluntary work in his home community in Rodney.
Author Margaret Mahy was the readers' most popular living artist in the survey.
Neil Finn also received several votes for his "passion and musicality" and charity work.
Victoria Cross winner Corporal Willie Apiata, revered for his "quiet dignity" and selflessness, is still the most nominated, followed by former Prime Minister Helen Clark.
