Samoa's former auditor general, Sua Rimoni Ah Chong, has been shortlisted for the year's Transparency International Integrity Award.
Other nominees come from Greece, Poland, Bosnia, Algeria, India and Mozambique.
The former Samoan government changed the constitution to oust Sua after he exposed financial irregularities.
The executive officer of Transparency International New Zealand, Shane Cave, says it is just reward for his brave stand.
"It's a great move for the fight against corruption in the Pacific and elsewhere and his recognition will be an inspiration to many."
The winners will be announced in Germany in two weeks.