Top gong to Charlie Ngatai

Sports team winners: Kaiarahi Toa open women’s waka ama crew with Dave Raggett of Draggnett Design. From left are Florrie Brooking, Kiwi Campbell, Cory Campbell, Pharyn Calles, Kodi Campbell, Penny Scragg and Vesna Radonich (front). Pictures by Paul Rickard

AN injury cloud over Gisborne’s All Black Charlie Ngatai had a silver lining last night when he was named the overall winner at the Logans Sporting Excellence Awards.

Ngatai has not been able to take the field for his country or the Chiefs Super Rugby team for two months due to concussion symptoms after suffering a knock in a Super clash with the Highlanders on May 7. The ongoing issues cost him almost certain All Blacks selection for the Wales test series and he remains on the sidelines.

Last night his superb form, All Black debut and Maori All Black leadership role saw him take home the top gong and the EIT Tairawhiti sportsman title at the sporting excellence awards held for the first time at War Memorial Theatre. Ngatai was unable to attend. Mother Lisa, on his behalf, accepted the overall honour presented by another All Black, Rico Gear. Ngatai made an appearance via video link.

“It is an absolute privilege as a young player coming up through Gisborne and (I acknowledge) all the hard work that was put into me,” he told the audience. “To the other nominees, keep going and keep working.”

Fog delayed presentersFog caused late changes to the awards but as the saying goes, the show must go on. Guest speaker and former All Black Frank Bunce and MC and television sports journalist/commentator Hamish McKay were grounded in Auckland because of fog, and had to make the long journey by car. NZME radio personality Treva Rice kept the festivities going until the pair arrived midway through the event.

Konica Minolta Sportswoman of the Year went to swimmer/surf lifesaver Laura Quilter for the second year in a row.

“Thank you to all the people that made this happen for me,” she said by video link. “Being able to follow my dreams and represent Gisborne, Wainui and my country is something quite hard to describe.”

Master sportspersonThe River Oaks Mews Ltd Master Sportsperson of the year went to Stephen Sheldrake for cycling and triathlon.

“Well done to the other finalists and I am very proud to be a part of this family; 25 years is great.”

The 25 years was in reference to the quarter-century celebrations of what is now known as Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti. Sheldrake’s father Terry was one of the original staff members while Stephen’s brother Brent is the organisation’s chief executive.

Junior awardsBack in the awards arena, it was a surf lifesaving and swimming affair for the junior winners. Gisborne District Council Junior Sportswoman went to Olivia Corrin. The Eastland Toyota Junior Sportsman was won by Matt Scott. Dawson Building Co Junior Sports Team of the year went to the Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club under-19 men’s canoe crew.

The Draggnett Design Sports Team winners were the world-conquering Kaiarahi Toa open women’s waka ama crew.

Coates Associates Ltd Official of the Year went to Amber Church for the second year in a row. Also the 2015 Hockey New Zealand female umpire of the year, Church is off to Rio for the Olympics in August.

BDO Coach of the Year went to Doug Callahan for his many years of service and training of trampolinists as part of the Eastland Port Gisborne Trampoline Club.

Club of the yearShare Club of the Year went to Horouta Waka Hoe waka ama club.

“I want to acknowledge all of the other categories because we all have something in common,” said Horouta chairman Walton Walker. “We all carry the weight and expectations of our community, we are humbled and honoured to accept this acknowledgement.”

The Parker Endeavour Cup went to John Scott for his continued dedication to helping youth in triathlon and multisport.

A special presentation — the Rotary Club of Gisborne West Future Leader Scholarship Award — went to rising squash player Parearau Kutia.

There were two inductions into the Tairawhiti Hall of Legends — Ben Hutchings for surf lifesaving, kayaking and surfing; and Kristen Willock (nee Glover) for trampolining and surf lifesaving. Australia-based Hutchings’ son Cory accepted the award on his behalf.

“He is a fantastic father and an amazing role model, so thank you,” he said.

Willock won two world titles in the double-mini in the 1990s and was also the region’s sportswoman of the year in 1990.

Importance of coachesBunce emphasised the importance of coaches and setting goals.

“I had coaches that would keep me on the straight and narrow. I never thought of the possibility of being an All Black so I never set goals. I did not become an AB until I was 30 and I put that down to not seeing potential in myself and not setting goals. My coaches definitely kept me going.”

Brent Sheldrake said the night was special for two reasons.

“This is a celebration of sport over the last 12 months, as well as some key people who played a role in Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti over the last 25 years. Without them we would not be here today.”