The Hammers rugby team are among dozens of dedicated and talented finalists for the 2025 Ashburton Guardian Mid Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards.  

After an outstanding year in Mid Canterbury sport and recreation, this year's awards have attracted 50 nominations across more than 20 sporting codes.

"The quality of nominations this year is a testament to incredible talent and dedication within our community. It's inspiring to see so many athletes, coaches and volunteers being recognised for their hard work,” says Alice Breading, Sport Canterbury’s Community Advisor for Mid Canterbury.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our local sport and recreation community. Their commitment and passion elevate their respective sports and bring our community closer together.

“This year's finalists represent the very best of Mid Canterbury sport and recreation, we look forward to honouring their contributions at the awards ceremony.”

Read more:

• South Canterbury's best in sport and recreation
• Meet the Canterbury Sport and Rec Awards finalists

The finalists in each category of the awards are as follows:

Official of the Year

• Helen Tait (Swimming)
• Heath Lyttle (Softball)
• Kevin Opele (Rugby)
• Riki Philpott (Basketball)
• Jack Strawbridge (Basketball)

Volunteer of the Year (not judged)

• Paul Churchill (Rugby)
• Kate Perry (Equestrian)
• Ellen Pryor (Squash)
• Anna Redmond (Multisport)
• Henry Ross (Tennis)
• Owen Wylie (Football)

Community Sport and Recreation Impact Award

• Ashburton Domain Parkrun
• Longbeach Coastal Challenge
• Mid Canterbury Rugby’s Primary School Rippa Competition
• Primary Sports Canterbury’s Whakanui Whaikaha – Disability Play Partnership

Coach of the Year

• Tom Kearney and Simon Chapman (Rugby)
• Ange Leadley (Netball)
• Jack Tiller (Tennis)
• Matthew Winter (Rugby)

Outstanding Youth in Sport

• Chloe Graham (Cricket)
• Fletcher Hobbs (Rugby)
• Amelia Mitchell (Netball)
• Makeleta Ula (Netball)
• Katelyn Wilson (Shooting)

Master’s Sportsperson of the Year

• Kyle Gray (Road Cycling)
• Cherie Summers-Wight (Swimming)
• Tawny Wagstaff (Speed Skiing)
• Jackie Wear (Equestrian)

Sports Team of the Year

• Adelys and Lani Tarauna (Petanque)
• Ashburton Petanque Club
• Celtic Auric Electrical A (Netball)
• Mid Canterbury Hammers Heartland Rugby Team

Sportsperson of the Year

• Britney Moore (Highland Dancing)
• Brea Roderick (Multisport)
• Tawny Wagstaff (Speed Skiing)
• Emma Waite (Multisport)

Article added: Wednesday, April 16, 2025