We've selected the finalists - now it's over to you to choose the People's Choice winner for Bay of Plenty Times Person of the Year 2014.
The Person of the Year judging panel met yesterday and chose eight finalists out of a record number of nominations. You can view their profiles by clicking on the links by their names below.
We've been looking for people who have achieved remarkable success in their chosen business, career or sporting field; have contributed to the Western Bay community through charity or fundraising or some other non-profit organisation, and people who have demonstrated heroic deeds and courage.
They are:
DAN ALLEN-GORDON - the driving force behind a number of mentoring and support programs for local youth in the Bay of Plenty.
BRYCE DINNEEN - founder behind Wish 4 Fish, a charitable trust which now provides charters on three wheelchair-accessible boats.
BUDDY MIKAERE - Tauranga Moana iwi spokesman and a significant power behind this year's Battle of Gate Pa Commemorations.
ADRIAN OLDHAM - a hero policeman for rescuing a 77-year-old woman from a burning house.
LANCE SCULLIN, posthumously - a neighbourhood watch co-ordinator who died moments after stopping a fight in his community.
LINDSAY ''RED" SMITH - a Tauranga policeman who voluntarily hosts 'blokes' days out' for retired men.
MICHELLE WHITMORE - a Tauranga business and charity 'superwoman'.
The calibre of nominees was high and the final eight come from a variety of backgrounds. They all deserve praise and credit for what they have done.
Now it's your turn to have your say by voting for the person you believe deserves the People's Choice award.
Voting is open until Sunday, November 30.
The judging panel - made up of The Hits presenter Will Johnston; Olympic swimmer, Commonwealth Games silver medallist and Tauranga swimming instructor Liz van Welie; and myself - will meet again to choose a supreme winner, who will take out the supreme title of Bay of Plenty Times Person of the Year 2014.
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate people for the award.
PEOPLE'S CHOICE - VOTING IS NOW CLOSED
The Supreme and People's Choice Winners will be announced in the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend on December 13, 2014.