Ms Thompson wore a black, one shoulder, knee-length dress while her husband cut a dashing figure in a dark grey suit.
Retallick's All Black team mate Richie McCaw, who has also been nominated for sportsman of the year, arrived with his partner Black Sticks player Gemma Flynn.
Flynn teamed a floor-length white lace gown with nude heels for the occasion, while McCaw wore his official All Blacks blazer.
Olympic and world shot put champion Valerie Adams, who is up for sportswoman of the year, brought her family, partner and coaching team along for the evening.
Ms Adams said her black floor-length gown had been custome-made for her by Tongan label Bou's Fashion.
Silver detailing along the neckline represented her culture and Pacific Island side, she said.
Other stars included para-swimming Olympic and World Champion gold medallist Sophie Pascoe, who has been nominated for disabled sportsperson of the year, and rowing duo Hamish Bond and Eric Murray.
Pascoe sported a sparkly, gold outfit for the night.
Murray and Bond, who won gold in the men's coxed pair and men's coxless pair at last year's World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, are up for this year's team of the year award.
