Advocates for the environment, mental health, equal pay and indigenous rights are among the latest crop of nominees for the New Zealander of the Year award.

So far, 984 nominations for the award have been received.

The closing date to put someone forward is September 18.

The latest group of nominees include mental health spokesperson Mike King, the founder of KidsCan Julie Chapman, indigenous rights and people living with HIV advocate Marama Pala and equal pay campaigner Kristine Bartlett.

"As the country weighs up which political party will best make New Zealand a better place, this year's nominations show we have many fine citizens already tackling major issues such as poverty, mental health, vulnerable children, healthcare, the environment and social justice," says New Zealander of the Year awards manager Glyn Taylor.

"These people are the true agents of change. They inspire and give us real hope that New Zealand can be the fair and equitable country we want it to be."

Nominations are also being sought in other categories - Young New Zealander (aged 15-30), Senior New Zealander (aged 60 and over), New Zealand Local Hero, New Zealand Innovator and Community of the Year.

A judging panel comprising representatives of awards patrons, presenters, sponsors, community leaders and independent experts will evaluate the nominations.

A shortlist of 10 candidates will be announced in December and category winners, along with the New Zealander of the Year gong, will be revealed at a gala dinner in Auckland on February 22.

In its ninth year, former New Zealander of the Year winners include filmmaker Taika Waititi, former All Black Richie McCaw and physicist Sir Paul Callaghan.