Entries are now open for the annual New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards, with two new categories for 2021. 

Every year, individuals and organisations throughout Aotearoa New Zealand are making outstanding contributions to enhance people’s lives through physical activity. 

The NZ Sport and Recreation Awards look to recognise the best of this work and celebrate excellence and leadership in the sector. 

The COVID-19 Response Award is a new category introduced this year to mark the extraordinary and innovative achievements of organisations in response to the disruption and hardship caused by the pandemic. This award takes the place of the Event Excellence Award, removed for 2021 due to the impact of COVID-19 on the events industry.  

Also new for 2021 is the Māori Participation Taonga which acknowledges an outstanding individual, group or organisation that contributes to whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori Wellbeing through physical activity.

Now is your chance to make sure individuals and organisations you work with in the sector are recognised for their outstanding work. 

Nominations are easy. Check out the brand-new awards portal for more information on how to submit an entry and to learn more about each of the award categories for 2021. 

2021 NZ Sport and Recreation Award Categories 

Commercial Partnership: awarded to an organisation which has formed an exceptional partnership with a commercial organisation for the benefit of sport and recreation. 

Community Impact: awarded to a project which positively impacts children, young people and their whānau. 

New COVID-19 Response (instead of the Event Excellence Award for 2020): awarded to an organisation who showed an innovative approach in adapting to the significant disruption and hardship caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic.  

Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion: awarded to an innovative initiative which supports diversity and inclusion within sport and recreation, such as access, participation, leadership and community connection 

High Performance Inspiration: awarded to a 2020 performance that has provided inspiration to the nation or communities within it.  

New Māori Participation: 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 whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori Wellbeing through physical activity.  

Susie Simcock Future Leaders’ Scholarship: awarded to an individual leader, aged 40 or under, who has proven leadership skills and is committed to further development. 

Key dates: 

• Awards portal opens – 10 March 
• Awards portal closes for nominations – 20 April
• Finalists announced – Late-May 
• New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards Night – Monday 21 June