Entries are now open for the annual New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards.  

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.  

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 awards portal for more information on how to submit an entry and to learn more about each of the award categories for 2023.  

2023 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 whanau at a national/regional level or a local/community level 

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  

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 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 closes for nominations – 27 April 

Finalists announced – early June 

New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards Night – Monday 24 July