It's time to choose... who's your Person of the Year?

There are scores of people in this region whose contribution to our lives and the wider community deserves public acknowledgement.

Hence, we're keen to get a far-reaching representation of whoever you think deserves the title of 2017 Hawke's Bay Today Person of the Year.

In the search for someone to receive this honour we need your help. He or she could be someone who has made a significant contribution to the Hawke's Bay community in terms of charity, fundraising or other non-profit organisations.

Or someone who has achieved remarkable success in her or his chosen business, career or sport.

Maybe a local who has demonstrated courageous or heroic actions.

Those nominated this year have some rather large shoes to fill.

Last year's winners, Bill and Anne Perry, were dubbed the " saviours of the Waipatiki Beach Holiday Park" after forgoing millions of dollar and sealed a deal with the Napier, Hastings and Hawke's Bay Regional councils to see the park stayed forever in public hands.

The 2015 winner, Ian Emmerson, was described by one of the judges, Ikaroa Rawhiti MP Meka Whaitiri, as epitomising "the great Bay man".

Paediatrician and Children's Commissioner Russell Wills was the judges' unanimous choice the year before, while inaugural winner Flaxmere Boxing Academy head coach Craig McDougall was also chosen unanimously.

Hawke's Bay Today editor Andrew Austin said the paper was proud to get behind the quest to find a local worthy of Person of the Year.

"Hawke's Bay has so many people out there doing some amazing things and we see this as an opportunity to give praise to a deserving person. These people don't do what they do for any recognition, but we believe it is important to shine a spotlight on their achievements."

All nominations must be emailed to news@hbtoday.co.nz - with a few sentences explaining why you have chosen to nominate that person.

The winner will be announced before Christmas.