Celebrity cat called Mittens in the running to be New Zealander of the year

Also making the cut are PM Jacinda Ardern and the director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield

A celebrity cat, a hardworking civil servant and the prime minister have all been nominated for this year's New Zealander of the year award.

In this extraordinary year, we know that everyone has a hero," Miriama Kamo, the patron of the awards, said.