Barnaby Joyce could find his recently-discovered Kiwi citizenship comes with an unexpected benefit - he's now in the running to be named New Zealander of the Year.
Or is he?
Former Greens co-leader Metiria Turei has received the most nominations for the 2018 New Zealander of the Year Awards so far.
Australia’s deputy prime minister, Mr Joyce, has the second highest number of nominations - although his eligibility to win won't be assessed until nominations have closed.
Joyce was recently revealed to be a New Zealand citizen because his father was born here. The revelation came during a spate of Australian senators having to step down after checking laws preventing them holding dual citizenship while in office. Since then, Joyce has renounced is New Zealand citizenship.
Stuff has contacted Joyce's office for comment.
A shortlist of candidates will be selected and announced in December.
Organisers were also calling for more nominations for other categories including young and senior New Zealander of the year, local hero, innovator and community of the year.
Further information on the awards can be found here.
