Every year, individuals and organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand make outstanding contributions to enhance people's lives through physical activity. The New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards aim to recognise and celebrate excellence and leadership in the sector. 

Now is your chance to ensure that the people and organisations you work with are acknowledged for their exceptional efforts. Nominations are easy. Visit the awards portal for more information on how to submit an entry and to learn more about the award categories for 2026. 

Award categories 

Commercial Partnership: Recognises an organisation that formed an exceptional partnership with a commercial organisation to benefit sport and recreation.  

Community Impact: Celebrates a project that positively impacts tamariki and/or rangatahi and their communities at a national, regional or local level.  

Environmental Sustainability: Honours an organisation driving sustainable environmental practices in the play, active recreation and sport. 

Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion: Acknowledges an initiative promoting diversity and inclusion through access, participation, leadership or community connection.  

Jim Maniapoto Memorial Taonga – Excellence in impacting Māori participation as Māori: he tohu hei whakanuia i te tangata, te rōpū rānei i whakatīnanahia i te kaupapa i akiaki ai i te mana o te tangata. This award acknowledges an outstanding individual, group or organisation that contributes to the wellbeing of whānau, hapū, iwi Māori through physical activity.   

Susie Simcock Future Leaders’ Scholarship: Recognises an emerging leader showing exceptional leadership and impact within their organisation or communities.  

There are 2 other awards selected by a panel: 

• The C.K. Doig Leadership Award 
• Sir Eion and Jan, Lady Edgar Lifetime Achievement Awards. 

Key dates 

• Nominations close – 30 March 2026 
• Finalists announced – mid-May 2026 
• Awards evening – 8 June 2026 

See last year’s winners.