Sport NZ congratulates the category winners of the 2020 New Zealand Sport and Recreation awards.

Originally scheduled to be held in Hamilton in June, the awards were cancelled due to COVID-19, with the winners now being confirmed by Sport NZ via a series of intimate, invite only, socially distanced events.

"It is extremely important, despite the challenges of this pandemic, that we pause to celebrate the achievements of those across our sector and showcase best practice,” says Sport NZ CEO Peter Miskimmin.

“It is an immense privilege to reflect each year on the breadth of achievements, innovation and leadership across the sector which ultimately contribute to supporting all New Zealanders in being physically active.”

Four of the category winners were announced and presented with their awards this week.

The Commercial Partnership Award identifies and celebrates exceptional partnering for the benefit of the play, sport and active recreation sector. This has been awarded to Paralympics New Zealand and Adecco for 2020.

“The judges recognised this as a strong partnership which has spanned an impressive 12 years. It is a partnership based on shared values, promoting diversity, inclusion and social change while focusing on the wellbeing of Para athletes,” says Peter Miskimmin.

A new category award, added in 2019 to recognise Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion, has been won by Aktive - Auckland Sport and Recreation for their work in developing their strategic priorities to keep pace with the way Auckland is changing and becoming more diverse.

“The initiatives Aktive has created are multifaceted and evolving, lining up with their vision of Auckland being the world’s most active city. This work includes setting up key partnerships and events to champion diversity in sport, right through to their own internal approach to incorporate understanding across cultures and abilities,” says Peter Miskimmin

Aktive were also the winners of the Community Impact Award, which identifies, celebrates and encourages collaborative projects that positively impact children, young people and their whānau.

“Aktive’s Good Sports initiative works to support key influencers in youth sport with the education and tools needed to put the experience of the participant first.

"This is important work which meets the needs of their community to allow more positive sporting experiences for our tamariki and rangatahi. It also a great example of a partner bringing to life our Balance is Better philosophy to improve youth sport,” says Peter Miskimmin.

The Event Excellence Award for 2020 was won by Yachting New Zealand for the hugely successful Hyundai 49er, 49erFX, Nacra 17 World Championships which took place in 2019.

“This was the first time this Olympic Class event has been held in New Zealand and the judges recognised this as an innovative and well executed event. They were also highly impressed with Yachting New Zealand’s focus on legacy and community connection,” says Peter Miskimmin.

Peter Miskimmin also acknowledged all of the finalists in this year’s awards as well as the independent judging panel who were faced with the difficult task of reviewing and considering all applications.

“The calibre of all finalists is a testament to the quality of people and projects across our sector. I would like to personally thank each and every one of them.”

The winners of the two leadership awards - the C.K. Doig Leadership Award and the Susie Simcock Future Leaders’ Scholarship - were announced in late August. These were awarded to Julyan Falloon of Sport Canterbury and Andrew Corkill of Sport Waikato respectively.

2020 New Zealand Sport and Recreation Award Winners:

Commercial partnership award

Paralympics New Zealand and Adecco Group 

Community Impact award

Aktive - Auckland Sport and Recreation: Good Sports® 

Event Excellence Award

Yachting New Zealand - Hyundai 49er, 49erFX, Nacra 17 World Championships 2019 

Leadership in diversity and inclusion award

Aktive - Auckland Sport and Recreation

Susie Simcock Future Leaders' Scholarship Winner

Andrew Corkill - Sport Waikato

C.K. Doig Leadership Award Winner

Julyan Falloon – Sport Canterbury

Find the full list of finalists on the Sport NZ website here.

ENDS

Media contact  

Philip Clark

Group Media Manager, Sport NZ

M: 0278 385 710

E: philip.clark@sportnz.org.nz