As Kiwis prepare to cast their votes in the general election, Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless is reminding Bay of Plenty residents to get their votes in for the 2018 New Zealander of the Year.

'Every day tens of thousands of Kiwis benefit from the selflessness, generosity and ambition of some fine New Zealand citizens,” says Greg.

'In our own community, I've seen first-hand just how important these people are to Bay of Plenty. Whether it's in the fields of professional, charitable or personal achievement, their good deeds are inspiring examples for our own lives.

'You can't escape the overwhelming sense of gratitude these communities have for these fine people. But in the rush of our lives we can sometimes forget to pause, celebrate and acknowledge these accomplishments. The New Zealander of the Year is the perfect way for Kiwis to say thanks and I encourage all Bay of Plenty residents to take a moment and nominate that special person who represents the very best of us.”

The annual New Zealander of the Year Awards are now in their ninth year. The awards recognise a diverse range of Kiwis from all fields of endeavour including science, business, the arts, cultural or community involvement, sport, education and health. They are open to New Zealanders of all ages whose impact has inspired the communities they serve and the country as a whole.

Nominations for the prestigious award, and supporting categories, opened last month and close on September 18. Any member of the public can nominate an individual or community organisation in the awards programme.

Among the nominees for the 2018 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year are Peter Burling, Metiria Turei, Nigel Latta, Nicky Hager, and Mike King.

In addition to the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, awards will also be presented to New Zealanders who have performed with distinction in five additional award categories.

• University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year
• Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year
• Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year
• Sanitarium New Zealand Innovator of the Year
• Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

The 2018 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala in Auckland on February 21, 2018.

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).

For more information or to nominate someone for the 2018 New Zealander of the Year Awards visit www.nzawards.org.nz.