Sailing: Tuke takes top award for sixth time

Kerikeri sailor Blair Tuke (front) with partner Peter Burling competing at the ISAF Champs, Santander.

Kerikeri sailer Blair Tuke continued his winning form on Friday night, this time claiming the inaugural Far North District Council Far North Sports Awards Supreme Award.

Tuke had earlier claimed the Top Energy Ltd Sportsman of the Year award for his efforts with sailing partner Peter Burling, the duo who remained unbeaten in their 49er class since the 2012 London Olympics.

This was Tuke's sixth consecutive year winning the award, but unfortunately, because of a clash with Yachting New Zealand annual awards, Tuke could not be present but arranged for a representative to accept on his behalf.

The Top Energy Sportswoman of the Year award was won by Samantha Polovnikoff, of Kerikeri, who represented Northland in the open women's hockey team. The team finished runner-up in the National Hockey League this year.

Polovnikoff has also recently been named in the New Zealand Under-18 Junior Black Sticks squad.

Other major awards on the night reflected the range of codes occurring in the Far North - powerlifting, football, Special Olympics, gymnastics and inline hockey. Recipients were fortunate to receive beautiful trophies made by carvers in the Whakairo and Arts programme at Northland Regional Corrections Facility.

Service to Sport recipients were Kevin Briscoe (Bowls), Michael Carroll (Bowls) and Frank Young (Ohaeawai Rugby). Karla Tawhai from Kaikohe was named 2014 Far North Volunteer of the Year.

From over 100 initial nominations, 55 finalists produced 19 code winners who competed in sports ranging from AFL to Unicycling. Eight Under-19 athletes were also recognised with Youth Achievement Awards.

While the Supreme Award title was used for the first time, in the past it has been known as Far North Sportsperson of the Year - of which Tuke has won the title six times.

Sport Northland changed the name to better reflect the fact that the Supreme winner is chosen only from the winners of Team, Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year.