New Zealand squash player Amanda Landers-Murphy is a finalist in the Sportswoman of the Year category going up against the likes of Lisa Carrington and Luuka Jones.

Rotorua's Danny Lee, who plays on the professional golf tour in the United States, is a International Sportsperson of the Year finalist.

Swim Rotorua's Alastair Johnson and Black Ferns Sevens coach Allan Bunting are up for Coach of the Year.

Black Ferns Sevens team coach Allan Bunting is up for Coach of the Year.
Black Ferns Sevens team coach Allan Bunting is up for Coach of the Year.

Rotorua Lakes High School's River Mutton is a Secondary School Sportswoman of the Year finalist for kayaking & skiing while Rotorua Boys' High School's Hayze Perham is up for Secondary School Sportsman of the Year for rugby league, rugby union, touch rugby and rugby sevens.

The Western Heights High School beach volleyball team is up for Secondary School Boys' Team of the Year and the Rotorua Netball Centre for Club of the Year.

Held since 1969, the annual event has a long and prestigious history in the region, and recognised all aspects of sport from clubs and teams, to administrators, coaches and officials, alongside individual athletes who are at the top of their codes nationally and internationally.

Rotorua Netball Centre is up for Club of the Year.
Rotorua Netball Centre is up for Club of the Year.

Over 130 nominations were received for the 18 categories.

Sport Bay of Plenty sport manager Megan Cleverley said selecting the finalists was a tough decision for this year's judges, with so many notable achievements coming out of the Bay of Plenty sporting community.

"While it's a tough position to be in, we're so fortunate to have so much talent and passion in the region - not just from our athletes, but also our avid supporters behind the scenes.

Danny Lee is a International Sportsperson of the Year finalist.
Danny Lee is a International Sportsperson of the Year finalist.

"The sports awards are about celebrating this sporting excellence in the community, and saying 'thank you' to those who help make this success possible."

As part of the lead-in to the event on Friday November 24 at the Energy Events Centre Sport Bay of Plenty is running The Hits People's Choice Award and a Listen to Win with Radio Sport.

Tickets to the 2017 Bay of Plenty Sports Awards are now on sale. For more information, full details of the event and to buy tickets, visit www.sportbop.co.nz.