Win at New Zealand Events Association awards humbling for Crankworx organisers

Crankworx organisers say they are delighted and humbled after taking out the Best Sport Event award at a ceremony last night. The 2018 Crankworx Rotorua took out the title at the New Zealand Events Association awards and Rotorua deputy mayor Dave Donaldson, who helps organise Crankworx, attended the awards on behalf of the team.

"I was absolutely delighted. The team will be incredibly excited and I'm proud of the whole team. The superb effort put in by all the partners, management and volunteers.

"We got the award for 2018 and this year has been a step up so we're really delighted to get that endorsement from a pretty wide-ranging, educated panel of judges."

Rotorua Lakes Council deputy mayor Dave Donaldson accepts the award on behalf of Crankworx. Photo / Supplied

Donaldson said the win was reassuring, humbling and reflected well on Rotorua.

Ariki Tibble, event director said it was a privilege to be recognised at the awards.

"We've been finalists for a couple of years and this time we've taken it out."

Tibble said some members of the team who weren't at the awards watched the announcement on a livestream.

Tak Mutu, event organiser was stoked when he found out.

Dave Donaldson with the Crankworx award. Photo / Supplied

"To take the top spot was awesome.

"I'm not sure what set us apart.

"I just know we were a very happy team last night to have finished our biggest, and what I think was our best, Crankworx then top it off with an award win."

Image 1 of 10: Trackside spectators show their support.

Judges' comments on the event said Crankworx's strengths were showcasing Rotorua as a mountain biking resort and a strong economic return.

The Air Downhill at Crankworx 2019. Photo / Fraser Britton

They commended organisers for a well-executed event that attracted outstanding participation domestically and internationally.

"The ultimate standout is that organisers had a clear objective, well-articulated strategy and exceptional execution," the judges' notes said.

The other finalists in the award were the 2017 Anchor AIMS Games, Heineken Urban Polo and the 2017 WSF World Junior Squash Championships 2017.

There were 16 categories in the awards.

The winners
- Best Event Sponsorship Professional 2018: Amy McNicol
_ Best Emerging Event Professional 2018: Brenna McCann
- Best Event Professional 2018: Emily Byrne
- Best Arts or Cultural Event 2018: A Waka Odyssey
- Best Business Event 2018: Better by Design CEO Summit
- Best Corporate Social Responsibility or Not-for-Profit Event 2018: The Haier Big Hoot (Child Cancer Foundation)
- Best Sport Event 2018: Crankworx Rotorua
- Best Sustainable Event 2018: Night Noodle Markets
- Best Supplier 2018: Sidekicker
- Best Venue 2018: FMG Stadium Waikato for RLWC 2017 & HSBC NZ Sevens 2018
- Best Community Event 2018: Highlight: Carnival of Lights 2017
- Best Regional Event 2018: Tremains Art Deco Festival 2018 (Art Deco Trust)
- Best National Event 2018: Warbirds over Wanaka International Airshow
- Best International Event 2018: HSBC NZ Sevens
- Best Event Sponsorship 2018: Wellington Culinary Events Trust & Visa for Visa Wellington on a Plate
- Best Local Government Event 2018: Pop n' Good Bike Park Opening (Waipa District Council)
- New Zealand's Favourite Event of the Year (public vote): Warbirds over Wanaka International Airshow