The creator of the Canterbury Student Volunteer Army is up against a young environment researcher and hardworking volunteer and women's and refugees' rights campaigner in the category.

Johnson is a Riccarton-Wigram Community Board member who has already won a Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award and was singled out for praise by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her visit to Christchurch last year.

Johnson is also involved with the UpRising Trust, which was established by Christchurch gay community members to raise funds for community groups and reinvigorate the city's queer scene after the quakes.

The New Zealander of the Year Awards winners will be announced at a gala awards dinner at the Langham Auckland on 16 February.