Dr Ashley Bloomfield has withdrawn himself from consideration for the 2020 NZTV Awards' TV Personality of the Year.

The Director-General of Health says although he is "humbled" to have been nominated, he would like to "step aside" from being considered.

"Dr Bloomfield is humbled to be nominated for this year's TV awards," a statement from his office explains.

"Given his primary role as a public servant and not a TV personality, he would like to step aside from being considered for the award.

"He wishes the candidates well and says he will be watching with interest on the night."

The Director-General of Health rose to fame this year as the face of New Zealand's COVID-19 response

Kiwis described him on social media as a "competent, calm, factual and reassuring man" as he fronted the 1pm press conferences during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Since then, Dr Bloomfield has opened up about his mental health, telling Sir John Kirwan on his podcast 'Open-Minded: Leadership During A Pandemic' he deals with stress by "switching off completely" and taking a break.

New Zealand TV Awards supported Dr Bloomfield's decision to pull out of the nomination.

"NZTV Awards would like to acknowledge Dr Bloomfield and the impact he's had on New Zealand television in 2020," it wrote on Twitter.

"We support and respect his decision to withdraw and wish to thank him, the Ministry of Health and all frontline workers who continue to lead the fight against COVID-19 in Aotearoa.

Those who already voted for Dr Bloomfield are able to recast their votes for any of the other finalists. Winners will be announced on November 18.

Finalists for 2020 TV Personality of the Year

• Aziz Al-Sa'afin - The AM Show (Three)

• Hilary Barry - Seven Sharp (TVNZ 1)

• Kimberly Crossman - The Project (Three) / Golden Boy (Three) / Survive the 80s (TVNZ)

• Jayden Daniels - Shortland Street (TVNZ 2) / Head High (Three)

• Patrick Gower - Newshub National Correspondent / The Project / Patrick Gower: On Weed (Three)

• Kanoa Lloyd - The Project (Three)

• Tova O'Brien - Newshub (Three)

• Wendy Petrie - 1 News (TVNZ 1)

• Pio Terei - Pio Terei Tonight / Off the Grid with Pio (Māori Television)