It was 25 years ago ... winners of the Sports Team category at the 2000 Eastland Sports Awards, with sponsor Gary Bates (second from right), are the Wainui IRB crew of Justin Martin (from left), Kirsty Williams and Mark Mitchell (now the coalition Government's Minister of Police and other portfolios). Absent is crew member Ryan Street. The awards have been revived after a three-year absence.
It was 25 years ago ... winners of the Sports Team category at the 2000 Eastland Sports Awards, with sponsor Gary Bates (second from right), are the Wainui IRB crew of Justin Martin (from left), Kirsty Williams and Mark Mitchell (now the coalition Government's Minister of Police and other portfolios). Absent is crew member Ryan Street. The awards have been revived after a three-year absence.
A record number of nominations have been received as the Tairāwhiti Sports Awards make a comeback.
An awards spokeswoman said the region’s sporting community had shown its strength, spirit and dedication.
“A record-breaking 62 nominations across 14 categories have been received for this year’s sports awards,” Debbie Hutchings, of awardsorganiser Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti, said.
“A remarkable 20 different sports are represented, highlighting the diversity and depth of talent across our region.”
From Olympians who inspired on the world stage to the crucial grassroots volunteers who made community sport possible, the nominations reflected the passion and commitment of clubs and organisations across Tairāwhiti, Hutchings said.
The awards, supported by The Real Estate Agents and Bronwyn Kay, are returning after a three-year absence, having last been presented in 2022.
“We’re absolutely delighted with the response this year. To see such a high number of nominations across such a wide range of sports is a real credit to our community,” Hutchings said.
A trip down memory lane ... Eastland Sportswoman of the Year 2000 winner, surf lifesaver and swimmer Rachael Anderson (right), with then TMS Sports Promotion's Terry Sheldrake. The Sportsman and Overall Sportsperson awards went to pro surfer Maz Quinn that year, but he was competing overseas and unable to attend.
“It shows the pride clubs and organisations have in their people – from world-class athletes right through to the volunteers who are the heartbeat of local sport,
“These awards are about celebrating everyone who contributes to making sport in Tairāwhiti thrive.”
Television broadcaster and former Silver Ferns netball international Jenny-May Clarkson is the Master of Ceremonies for the awards night in November.
The qualifying period for nominations was January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
Categories are Sportswoman, Sportsman, Sports Team, Whaikaha/disability sports, Master Sportsperson, Junior Sportsman, Junior Sportswoman, Junior Team, Club, Coach, Official and Services to Sport.
In addition, three prestigious awards will be announced on the evening – the Overall Sportsperson award, the Volunteer award and the Tairāwhiti Legends of Sport induction.
Finalists will be announced during the week of September 15 and the winners will be revealed at the celebration evening on Friday, November 14, at The Vines at Matawhero.
