James Jagger's design is a finalist in the indigenous timber showcase award, for the use of indigenous timber in furniture or a building that best highlights its characteristics.
His coffee table sliding puzzle was created from recycled heart rimu for the CI Espresso cafe in Christchurch.
"The idea is that people can do the puzzle while they're waiting for their coffee," he said this week.
"I couldn't believe it when it was picked as a finalist. It's the first competition I've entered and to be up there with people like David Trubridge is amazing."
Mr Jagger (29) studied industrial design at Otago Polytechnic and furniture-making in Christchurch.
New Zealand Wood chief executive Jane Arnott said just under 100 projects projects were entered in the nine categories, the largest number of entries in the 30-year history of the awards.
"New Zealand's only timber design awards achieved a massive jump in entries this year, reflecting the desire of professionals to differentiate themselves and their practices from the rest," she said.
The awards will be announced on October 9 in Auckland.
