Otago Polytechnic chief executive Dr Megan Gibbons said the event was regarded as the annual showcase of excellence in graphic, spatial, product, interactive and motion design in New Zealand.
"To have eight finalists at New Zealand’s most prestigious design awards is an outstanding achievement," she said.
The 2022 finalists include Georgia Pope in the spatial-student category with her "Kaituna" concept, which envisages restoring a wetland at Forbury Park Raceway and Kettle Park.
Bella Maresca features twice in the graphic-student category of the finals - firstly for her Enby Collective project, and secondly with fellow graduate Eva Meeuws for their "Haumanu Popopo Wormporium" mural.
Reaching the product-student final is Angus Lewry for his Fosterbox project, which focuses on a personal interaction with gardening and sustainable principles.
Also in the product-student final is Emily Mackenzie with her Rockertot project - a versatile child’s rocker that can also be used as a table and a chalkboard.
Also making the graphic-student finals is Rosa Nevison for her Newzician Magazine.
Vincent Egan is a finalist in the digital-student category for his MythiK Tane project.
Otago Polytechnic Te Maru Pumanawa: College of Creative Practice and Enterprise head Prof Federico Freschi said the latest nominations followed Otago Polytechnic winning five medals at last year’s Best Design Awards.
"Previous ‘Best’ awards finalists and winners have gone on to launch their design careers in New Zealand and overseas," he said.
The awards ceremony will be held on October 7.
