General: Public encouraged to nominate for sports awards

Will Johnston 

Members of the public have about a month before nominations close for the prestigious Sport Taranaki sports awards.  

Nominations for the 59^th instalment close at 5pm on Friday, October 5 and event organisers are encouraging the public to submit their nominations to celebrate outstanding performances. 

With thirteen categories, the awards celebrate the achievements of the region's sporting and active communities, including individuals, volunteers, clubs, teams and coaches between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024. 

Sport Taranaki chief executive Michael Carr said the awards were an important way to recognise the efforts of the Taranaki sporting and active community. 

"Whether the volunteers who make a big impact behind the scenes, our coaches, match officials or players, they all play their part and make valuable contributions,” he said.   

“We are lucky to have some outstanding Taranaki sportspeople and taking the time to celebrate their success gives our whole community a boost." 

Taranaki’s Olympians could feature on this year’s winners list as the 2024 Olympics fell within the nomination period. 

Last year saw New Zealand and Stratford sprinter Zoe Hobbs claim the senior sportswomen and overall sportsperson of the year award and, if nominated, is a likely favourite this year after being the Kiwi first female sprinter to feature at the Olympics since 1976.  

She could be up against stiff opposition after Lepperton’s Michaela Blyde claimed back-to-back Olympic gold medals with the Black Ferns sevens team.  

Stratford’s Jack Jordan won last year’s sportsman of the year and has since claimed his third consecutive world trophy in May shattering his own world record in the process. 

In the past, the junior categories have featured many individuals and teams that have participated on the national and international stage.  

Last year saw a record 95 nominations, including two Taranaki sports Hall of Fame inductee's golfer Grant Moorhead and softball player and coach Jarrad Martin.  

The event dates back to 1965, where All Black Ross Brown was crowned the first overall winner. All Blacks David Loveridge and Beauden Barrett,  Moorhead, jockey Michael Walker and Paralympian Corey Peters have won the top accolade more than once.   

Nomination forms are available on Sport Taranaki’s website.  

The winners will be announced at the awards dinner on Friday, November 22, at The Devon Hotel. 

The judging panel consists of Sport Taranaki staff, event sponsors and local sports reporters.  

The 2024 Taranaki Sports Awards categories: 

Silks Audit Chartered Accountants Ltd: Overall Sportsperson
The Floatation Sanctuary: Senior Sportswoman
Business Distributors Limited (BDL): Senior Sportsman
New Plymouth Physiotherapy: Senior Sports Team 
QP Sport Protection: Junior Sportswoman
Taranaki Secondary School Sports Association: Junior Sportsman 
TimberCo: Junior Sports Team 
OurCloud: Masters
WR Phillips:  Coach
Marsh: Game Official 
Clelands Construction: Volunteer 
Taranaki Associated Cleaners Ltd: Club 
Sport Taranaki: Impact Award