Sport New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin says Kendall has excelled on the world stage both in her career as an athlete and in sports leadership roles including as a member of the prestigious International Olympic Committee (IOC) and on the Athletes Commission of the IOC.

"She's been a pioneer for women in sport - from the sports field to the boardroom," Miskimmin says.

"She's one of this country's most successful and enduring sportswomen. She's a role model for many, she's held hugely influential leadership positions on numerous boards, and she's a passionate advocate for athletes at the highest levels in Olympic sport."

Kendall became a household name in New Zealand when she won the gold medal in boardsailing at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. She won silver four years later in Atlanta and at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 completed her full set of medals by winning bronze.

In an athletic career that spanned 25 years, Kendall also won four gold, five silver and two bronze medals at world championships.

Barbara has an MBE for services to windsurfing and has been inducted into the International Sailing Federation Hall of Fame and the NZ Sports Hall of Fame. She is a four-time winner of the Halberg Sportswoman of the Year Award. She has been on numerous boards including Yachting New Zealand and the New Zealand Olympic Committee. In 2011, Kendall was elected to the IOC.

Miskimmin says Kendall is highly regarded and tonight's leadership award is well deserved.