Louise Nicholas is shocked to be chosen for this year's Governor-General ANZAC of the Year award.
The panel of judges says she embodies the spirit of an ordinary person achieving extraordinary things.
They're acknowledging her work with the New Zealand Police to change how sexual crimes are dealt with, as well as her advocacy for survivors.
AUDIO: Louise Nicholas speaks with Mike Hosking about the award
Ms Nicholas is still getting used to the idea.
"The first thing my husband said to me was that it was to 100 year anniversary of the ANZACs, so this is pretty special."
Ms Nicholas says there's plenty she still wants to change, including how the court system deals with victims.
"Such a brutal place. Such a brutal system and it's unfair and inhuman. I will fight to my last breath to have that changed."
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