Sport Canterbury has announced the finalists for the 60^th annual Trust Aoraki South Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards.

The winners of the awards, including a newly named Sporting Legend of South Canterbury and the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement recipients, will be announced during the awards evening at the Caroline Bay Hall on May 8, 2026.

Shaun Campbell, South Canterbury Regional Manager for Sport Canterbury, highlights the outstanding quality of nominees, reflecting the region's depth of talent.

“Reaching the 60th anniversary of these awards is a remarkable milestone for our community, and it’s a testament to the enduring passion and commitment of everyone involved in local sport and recreation.”

This year, a total of 46 finalists have been named across 25 sports and recreational activities, with rugby leading the nominations on six and hockey on five.

Hockey and Rugby feature prominently across this year’s awards, with finalists recognised from early participation through to long‑term service across school, club, and representative settings.

Squash also features among the finalists, with nominations recognising both individual contribution and community impact.

The Trust Aoraki Sportsperson of the Year category brings together athletes competing on the national and international stage, with World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, Jorja Miller and current Indoor World Champion shot putter, Tom Walsh, among those named in a strong field. Locals, Izzy Sharp (Cricket) and Brook Smith (Highland Dancing) looking to ensure the trophy stays local.

“This year’s finalists truly embody the spirit of sport and recreation in South Canterbury, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements,” Campbell says.

“The calibre of individuals and groups nominated each year continues to inspire us all and I look forward to recognising their dedication at the upcoming ceremony. I encourage you all to buy a ticket and join us for this wonderful night of celebration.”

The 60th anniversary celebration will also feature Timaru-raised broadcaster, John McBeth as the guest speaker for the evening.

Tickets are available via the Sport Canterbury website at www.sportcanterbury.org.nz.

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

Category Finalists – 2026 Trust Aoraki Sport and Recreation Awards

Prime Port Coach of the Year

Simon Cooper & Harry Elliotte                       Hockey

Renè Kempf                                                    Fistball

Dean Milne                                                      Rowing

Kane Newland                                                Tennis

Adrian Whiu                                                    Softball

The Courier Community Sport and Recreation Impact

Meridian Twizel Hard Labour Weekend         Multisport       

Maadi Cup regatta                                          Rowing

Midlands PSA Squash Tournament               Squash

ITF World Tennis Tour                                     Tennis

Waimate Rugby Club                                      Rugby  

Mackenzie District Council Masters Sportsperson of the Year

Steve Anderson                                              Endurance Running

A Gibson & C Shand                                       Indoor Bowls

Rikki Swete                                                     Wrestling/Jiu Jitsu

The Breeze Volunteer of the Year  

Ian Baird                                                         Athletics

Joy Edmond                                                    Squash

Colin Macpherson                                           Parkrun

Clare Palliser                                                  Tennis

Samuel Kempf                                                Fistball

Lincoln University Official of the Year

Ben Grant                                                       Hockey

Jackson Henshaw                                           Rugby

Will Lyall                                                          Basketball

Mark Swindells                                                Inline Speed Skating

Nyssa Willcocks                                             Gymnastics

Timaru District Council Lifetime Achievement Recipients

Susan Coker                                                   Hockey/Rugby

Logan Gregory                                                Football

Christine Moffat                                               Rowing

Kevin Scannell                                                Rugby

Nigel Walsh                                                     Rugby

Aspect Trust Outstanding Youth in Sport 

Zac Campbell                                                  Archery

Gracie Hellmrich                                             Ice Hockey

Noah Hollamby                                               Cycling

Kyra Marett                                                     Cycling

Nick Stephenson                                             Hockey

Waimate District Council Para-Athlete of the Year

Lauren Blackmore                                           Athletics                     

Ellie Pillar                                                        Karate

Finn Tregurtha-Nairn                                      Athletics

XCM Sports Team of the Year

Geraldine High School Rowing                      Rowing                                   

New Zealand Men's Raft Racing                    Rafting

South Canterbury Cricket Hawke Cup Team Cricket

South Canterbury Indoor Bowls                     Indoor Bowls

TBHS 1st XI Hockey Team 2025                    Hockey

Trust Aoraki Sportsperson of the Year     

Jorja Miller                                                      Rugby

Izzy Sharp                                                       Cricket

Brooke Smith                                                  Highland Dancing

Tom Walsh                                                      Athletics

James Watt                                                     Tennis

Article added: Wednesday 15 April 2026