FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Four world champions, multiple international podiums, and teams responsible for over 30 national championship titles headline this year's finalists for the 2026 Sport and Recreation Awards.

The winners will be celebrated at the upcoming Awards evening, to be held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre on May 15.

This year, 61 finalists have been named across 30 sports and recreation categories, reflecting the scale of activity across the region. Hockey and netball feature most strongly, with representation across multiple award categories.

Among those results sit world and national records, and a series of historic firsts for our finalists, including maiden national titles for teams and clubs, and junior athletes moving from regional pathways to world championship podiums and finals for the first time.

Beyond performance alone, the awards also recognise impact that reaches further than competition. The Outstanding Contribution category includes finalists ranging from major events and organisations to individuals whose work continues to shape how people experience sport and recreation across Canterbury.

Sport Canterbury Chief Executive, Julyan Falloon, describes the finalists as outstanding examples of dedication and excellence in Canterbury’s sport and recreation sector.

“The Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards honour top nominees and highlight their talent and commitment,” Falloon says. “Recognising these achievements celebrates the community’s hard work and encourages further excellence in the region.”

He believes the strong response to the nominations reflects Waitaha Canterbury’s appreciation for the positive impact of sport and recreation.

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

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

Active Health Community Diversity and Inclusion Award

Canterbury Softball Association – Tūhura Poiuka Community          Softball

HCC Barbell Club – Rangatahi Tārewa Tū                                        Weightlifting

Tamai Sports                                                                                       Community Sport

Tima NZ Charitable Trust                                                                   Adapted Sport and Recreation

Tri Rugby Canterbury                                                                         Rugby

University of Canterbury High Performance Coach of the Year

Aaron Ford                                                                                          Hockey

Alexandr Nilov                                                                                    Trampoline

Rob Penney                                                                                        Rugby

James Sandilands                                                                              Athletics

Donna Wilkins                                                                                     Netball

Craigs Investment Partners High Performance Sportsperson of the Year

Maddie Davidson                                                                                Trampoline

Hamish Kerr                                                                                        Athletics

Liam Potts                                                                                           Softball

Tim Price                                                                                             Equestrian

Tom Walsh                                                                                          Athletics

Blackwells High Performance Sports Team of the Year

Alpiners Men                                                                                       Hockey

Ben Taylor and Oliver Welch                                                              Rowing

Mainland SHNL Netball Team                                                            Netball

The Crusaders                                                                                    Rugby

The VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix                                                      Netball

Douglas Furniture and Joinery High Performance Official of the Year

Logan Forrester                                                                                  Touch

Ben Grant                                                                                           Hockey

Gareth Greenfield                                                                               Hockey

Anne Harrison                                                                                     Netball

Elijah Vaealiki                                                                                     Basketball

University of Canterbury Community Coach of the Year

Garey Burgess                                                                                    Boxing

Fraser Costley                                                                                    Basketball

Bobbie Hira and Sam Draper                                                             Kī‑o‑Rahi

Hayley McKellow                                                                                Hockey

Arron Stewart                                                                                      Football          

ORIX Community Sports Team of the Year

Coastal Spirit FC – Men’s Premier Team                                           Football

Eclipse Seniors                                                                                   Marching

Kaiapoi Queens                                                                                  Softball

Marist Muskateers CPL Men                                                              Hockey

Shirley Boys’ High School Spartans – Senior A Basketball Team     Basketball

Sharp Community Official of the Year

Aarya Advilkar                                                                                     Table Tennis

Max Beech                                                                                          Hockey

Kerry Dyson                                                                                        Hockey

Jamie Smith                                                                                        Netball

Margaret Western                                                                               Swimming

Anstice Optometrists Para‑Athlete of the Year

Canterbury Chargers                                                                         Wheelchair Rugby

Sarah James                                                                                      Athletics

Scott Martlew                                                                                      Para Canoe

William Stedman                                                                                Athletics

Carrie Wilson                                                                                      Badminton

Christchurch City Council Outstanding Contribution to Sport and Recreation

Christchurch Adventure Park/Crankworx                                           Mountain Biking

Julie Patterson                                                                                    Rugby

NZ Squash Open                                                                                Squash

Special Olympics NZ 2025 National Summer Games                       Community Sport

Tamai Sports                                                                                       Community Sport

Lincoln University Outstanding Youth in Sport

Hamish Henderson                                                                             Freestyle Skiing

Tama Isaac                                                                                         Basketball

Dylan Monk                                                                                         Sprint Kayaking

Cooper Moore                                                                                     Golf

Gus Nelson                                                                                         Hockey

Gallagher Insurance Volunteer of the Year

Alan Jones                                                                                          Bowls

Jym Findlay                                                                                        Football

Mark Lewis                                                                                         Cycling

Lee McKenzie                                                                                     Netball

Char Pouaka                                                                                       Softball

The Sporting Legends of Canterbury Award will be presented at the event.
To join the celebration on May 15 and find out the winners, click here to purchase tickets.

Article added: Monday 20 April 2026