"These awards highlight the tireless dedication of individuals, clubs, regional and national organisations to improving the wellbeing of New Zealanders and inspiring the nation through sport and active recreation," said Sport NZ Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin.

"The past year has been full of highlights for our elite athletes, from record-breaking All Blacks to golden moments at the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games, and tonight has shown that great achievements were also achieved by those across the sector."

The awards coincide with Sport NZ's annual Connections Conference for leaders from the sport and recreation sector, featuring presentations by 25 sport, recreation and health experts from New Zealand and overseas.

The 2017 Sport and Recreation Awards winners are:

COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIP

Paralympics NZ and ACC, Cadbury and Sanford Ltd  

COMMUNITY IMPACT The Northeast Pathways Project - Hutt City Council

EVENT EXCELLENCE

Aon 2016 Youth Sailing World Championships - Yachting New Zealand

HIGH PERFORMANCE CAMPAIGN

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke 49er Class Rio 2016 Olympic Games Campaign - Yachting New Zealand

INNOVATION EXCELLENCE

Glory League - Basketball New Zealand

LOTTO NEW ZEALAND SPORT MAKER AWARD

Amanda Young

C.K. DOIG LEADERSHIP AWARD

Kereyn Smith

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Carole Hicks

Dave Knowles

Graeme Steel

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information about our winners visit us online. Included below are quotes on each of our winners. These can be attributed to Sport NZ CEO Peter Miskimmin.

Paralympics NZ and ACC, Cadbury and Sanford Ltd  

"Spirit of Gold went above and beyond a single commercial partnership - with three partners, Paralympics NZ raised the profile of the New Zealand Paralympic Team and built the support of a nation to help secure 21 medals in Rio and retain their place atop the per capita medal table."

The Northeast Pathways Project - Hutt City Council

"Through sport, Hutt City Council brought seven schools together to create a better opportunity for students to thrive and achieve. Involving whÄÅnau and local sports clubs, it was New Zealand's first formal example of sport being used as a tool across an entire community and is a model for other communities."

Aon 2016 Youth Sailing World Championships - Yachting New Zealand

"Host countries would usually have three to four years to prepare for a major event. After Oman withdrew, Yachting NZ stepped in and organised the regatta in only seven months - and delivered a surplus of around $300,000. This is an outstanding achievement."

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke 49er Class Rio 2016 Olympic Games Campaign - Yachting New Zealand

"Peter and Blair sailed into gold in the 49er class at Rio, winning by a massive margin - but they've also won every major regatta they've raced since the 2012 London Olympics. This level of success is unprecedented and it was fitting to see them as flag bearers in Rio."

Glory League - Basketball New Zealand

"Basketball NZ has embraced the digital age, social media and gaming movement with this project. Associations now have an X-factor product to excite players of all levels across the country, recruit and enhance player retention - this is innovation in action."

Amanda Young - Lotto NZ Sport Maker

"Amanda is passionate and knowledgeable, and she brings this to the Otago Special Olympics Powerlifting team. From one-on-one training to fundraising, she is the quintessential volunteer in Kiwi sport."

Kereyn Smith - C.K. Doig Leadership Award

"Kereyn's record as a leader in New Zealand and internationally is remarkable. A best every Olympic Games is just the latest achievement for someone who is a true leader in our sector and a fierce advocate for building women's profile and participation. On her watch, New Zealand received the International Olympic Committee World Trophy for Women in Sport, a first for our country and for any national Olympic committee."

Carole Hicks - Lifetime Achievement

"Carole has held most positions on offer at Archery NZ. Starting out as a club volunteer, she became a national judge. She is a Member of the NZ Order of Merit for her service and an example of what lifetime commitment means."

Dave Knowles - Lifetime Achievement

"Regional Sports Trusts are now a cornerstone of our Community Sport Strategy and their contribution is in no small one due to Dave. A pioneer among Regional Sports Trust leaders and through his later role at Sport NZ has continued to contribute to their development. He is an innovator, a successful fundraiser, and someone respected and admired across the sector."

Graeme Steel - Lifetime Achievement

"Graeme is the face of clean sport in New Zealand. His longevity in that role reflects his passion for sport in his home country, and through it he has earned a global reputation. His commitment to clean sport, and determination to challenge threats to it, persist. He is an educator, a realist and an inspiration."

ENDS