Those who embody the true Kiwi spirit about to be recognised

We want to recognise the people who embody what it means to be a Kiwi.

The countdown starts today to honour the Herald New Zealander of the Year.

The award has been celebrating those who make an outstanding contribution to New Zealand and beyond for a quarter of a century.

We want to recognise the people who embody what it means to be a Kiwi.

They can be people working selflessly for others; those who achieve on the world stage; or simply those who epitomise the New Zealand sense of fair play.

Past winners have included everyone from aid workers to authors, good Samaritans to pop stars.

Traditionally we have announced the overall winners in the run-up to Christmas, with separate awards by our business and sports sections on the same day.

This year we want to ensure all the winners get their time to shine so we're spreading coverage over a week.

And for the first time, with our radio partner The Hits, we are introducing a People's Choice Award to allow us to recognise the truly inspiring stories in our communities.

Today we reveal the shortlist for the top award.

On Thursday, our business team will bring you their nominees and name their winner.

On Friday, the sports team will share their selection.

And on Saturday, on nzherald.co.nz and in the final Weekend Herald of the year, we'll announce the overall winner and the people's choice winner.

Herald Weekends editor Miriyana Alexander said there were outstanding candidates for both major awards this year.

"It's been an incredible year for New Zealand with everyday Kiwis pushing themselves hard to help others throughout. None of them asked for public recognition but that doesn't mean they don't deserve it. Others have made headlines around the world with their exploits in the fields of sport, business and entertainment. It wasn't easy drawing up our shortlists - or picking the overall winner. We hope our readers will help us celebrate our choices."