2017 Finalists & Winners
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Finalists for the inaugural Hutt Valley Sports Awards were announced by the judging panel on Saturday 15 April 2017. Winners of each category, along with an overall winner, were announced during the 18 May Awards Ceremony.
Local rugby legend Andy Leslie was also inducted as a Legend of Hutt Valley Sport during the evening, and the late Sir Ron Scott was honoured in a presentation led by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen. Click on the Category Name for more photos from the night. |
Finalists of the 2017 Awards prior to the ceremony.
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Nick Willis (Athletics)
Nick is one of New Zealand's most prominent and successful international athletes ever.
In 2016, he won a Bronze Medal in the 1500m at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the first New Zealander to medal twice in the event and at 33 the oldest man in Olympic history to win a 1500m medal.
Indoors, where he also excels he won a Bronze Medal in the 1500m at the World Indoor Championships, New Zealand’s first ever Indoor World medal.
In 2016, he won a Bronze Medal in the 1500m at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the first New Zealander to medal twice in the event and at 33 the oldest man in Olympic history to win a 1500m medal.
Indoors, where he also excels he won a Bronze Medal in the 1500m at the World Indoor Championships, New Zealand’s first ever Indoor World medal.
Mary Fisher (Para-Swimming)
Dave Shadwell of Crowe Horwath and Steve Hansen present Mary Fisher with her award.
Mary had a BIG year in 2016, performing brilliantly at Olympic, World, Oceania, and National Levels.
At the Rio, de Janiero Paralympic Games she won Gold in the 100m Backstroke S11 setting a World Record. She was also a finalist in 4 other events
She currently holds 8 World S11 swimming records and was Sport Wellington Disabled Sportsperson of the Year for the third consecutive Year.
At the Rio, de Janiero Paralympic Games she won Gold in the 100m Backstroke S11 setting a World Record. She was also a finalist in 4 other events
She currently holds 8 World S11 swimming records and was Sport Wellington Disabled Sportsperson of the Year for the third consecutive Year.
Finalists:
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Julianne Alvarez (Golf)
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Kat Whata-Simpkins
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Mary Fisher (Para-Swimming)
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Julianne is currently studying in USA, performing with distinction in World and Collegiate Championships.
Represented New Zealand in Mexico for the World Golf Amateur Team Championships. Reached Final of prestigious American National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Golf match play championships One of the 20 Student Athletes hand selected by Washington coaches exemplifying discipline, commitment and hard work in sport and in life. |
Kat is a top New Zealand Rugby Sevens Player who in 2016 was:
• A member the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games Silver Medal winning New Zealand Womens Rugby Sevens Team • A member of the currently top ranking team in the World Rugby Sevens Series |
Mary had a BIG year in 2016, performing brilliantly at Olympic, World, Oceania and National Levels.
• Rio de Janiero Paralympic Games in September - 100m Backstroke S11 – Gold Medal and new World Record - Finalist in 4 other events • Mary currently holds 8 World S11 swimming records • Sport Wellington Disabled Sportsperson of the Year for the third consecutive Year. Mary visits schools, sports and youth groups in the Hutt Valley and Wellington to speak about Rio and to engage with them and show achieving dreams is possible. |
Nick Willis (Athletics)
Nick's father accepts the award from Emily Connor of Les Mills Hutt City.
Nick is one of New Zealand's most prominent and successful international athletes ever.
In 2016, he won a Bronze Medal in the 1500m at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the first New Zealander to medal twice in the event and at 33 the oldest man in Olympic history to win a 1500m medal.
Indoors, where he also excels he won a Bronze Medal in the 1500m at the World Indoor Championships, New Zealand’s first ever Indoor World medal.
In 2016, he won a Bronze Medal in the 1500m at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the first New Zealander to medal twice in the event and at 33 the oldest man in Olympic history to win a 1500m medal.
Indoors, where he also excels he won a Bronze Medal in the 1500m at the World Indoor Championships, New Zealand’s first ever Indoor World medal.
Finalists:
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Blake Signal (Lawn Bowls)
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Nik Hayes (Softball)
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Nick Willis (Athletics)
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Blake achieved at a high level in 2016 at International, National and Interclub level including:
• Gold medallist in the Fours and Silver in Triples, 2016 World Bowls Championships • Winner of Gold Medal Fours, Best Performed Mens Player, and Silver Singles, 2016/2017 National Bowls Championships. |
Nik, the standout pitcher in New Zealand had a fine 2016.
He was: • Pitcher of the New Zealand Golden Homes Black Sox Team • Pitcher for the Hutt Valley Dodgers team that won the Vic Goth Tournament in Auckland, the Wellington-Hutt Valley Intercity Competition, the Hutt Valley Competition and were Runners Up at the New Zealand Club Nationals where he was Top Pitcher. |
Nick is one of New Zealand's most prominent and successful international athletes ever.
In 2016: • Nick won a Bronze Medal in the 1500m at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the first New Zealander to medal twice in the event and at 33 the oldest man in Olympic history to win a 1500m medal • Nick won a Bronze Medal in the 1500m at the World Indoor Championships, New Zealand’s first ever |
Eastbourne Bowling Club Men's Premier Interclub Team (Lawn Bowls)
Presented by Jamie Williams of the Wellington Hospitality Group and Steve Hansen, the team accept their award.
This Eastbourne based team had a very successful year winning the National Playoffs for the second year in a row and the Wellington Interclub Premier Competition. Each of these is very hotly contested.
Finalists:
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Eastbourne Bowling Club Men's Premier Interclub Team (Lawn Bowls)
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Hutt Valley U19 Women's Team (Softball)
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Petone Rowing Club Women's Squad (Rowing)
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This Eastbourne based team had a very successful year once again winning:
• the National Playoffs for the second year in a row • the Wellington Interclub Premier Competition |
This team, another from Hutt Valley’s stable:
• Won the Softball New Zealand Under - 19 Women’s National Title for the first time since 2008 • Provided 5 players and the coach of the Tournament Team |
Building over several years the current squad comprising novice, club and senior women aged between 14- 20 has forged an impressive record:
• In the 2017, National Club Championships member of the squad won medals in every single eights event: - the PRC Novice 8+ (Gold), PRC Club 8+ (Gold), PRC/Star Senior 8+(Bronze), and Lucy Bird in the Premier 8+ (Silver) |
Shaka Sola (Athletics)
Pak'n Save's Ben O'Sullivan and Steve Hansen present the award to Shaka Sola.
Shaka is an energetic, enthusiastic and dedicated coach who runs “The Sola Power Throwing Academy” in Lower Hutt. Specialising in throwing events, his athletes have won medals, set records and achieved outstanding results in International, National, Colgate, Wellington Provincial Club and Schools competition
Finalists:
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Axel Dickinson (Rowing)
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Kiri Shaw (Softball)
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Shaka Sola (Athletics)
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Axel, a dedicated and committed coach started coaching the Petone Women's Club Crew at the start of the 2016 - 2017 season implementing a gruelling 6 day a week training schedule.
The squad achieved: • 3 World Indoor Rowing records • Gold and Silver medals at the New Zealand and North Island Rowing Club Championships • A number of New Zealand Trialists |
Kiri is a very committed Coach who in 2016 coached:
• The Hutt Valley U17 Girls team that won the New Zealand Nationals for the second year in a row and was undefeated • The Junior White Sox • in the Hutt Valley Green to Gold Youth Development program |
Shaka is an energetic, enthusiastic and dedicated coach who runs “The Sola Power Throwing Academy” in Lower Hutt. Specialising in throwing events:
• His athletes have won medals, set records and achieved outstanding results in International, National, Colgate, Wellington Provincial Club and Schools competition |
Fran Scholey (Basketball/Netball)
Mayor of Hutt City, Ray Wallace presents the award to Fran Scholey.
Fran is a dedicated administrator and coach, who splits her time between Basketball and Netball.
She coaches Maidstone United Hutt Valley Netball Premier back to back winners in 2016 /2017 and Is General Manger of the Wellington Saints Basketball team the playing through NBL Champions.
Fran administers the New Zealand National Basketball League and manages the Saints Coaching in Schools programme
She coaches Maidstone United Hutt Valley Netball Premier back to back winners in 2016 /2017 and Is General Manger of the Wellington Saints Basketball team the playing through NBL Champions.
Fran administers the New Zealand National Basketball League and manages the Saints Coaching in Schools programme
Finalists:
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Fran Scholey (Basketball/Netball)
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Michael Woolett (Rugby)
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Sonya Hanita (Softball)
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Fran is a dedicated administrator and coach who splits her time between Basketball and Netball.
She: • Coaches Maidstone United Hutt Valley Netball Premier back to back winners on 2016 /2017 • Is General Manger of the Wellington Saints Basketball team playing through NBL Champions • Administers the New Zealand NBL • Manages the Saints Coaching in Schools programme |
Better known as 'Double' by all around the Petone Rugby Club, Mike has played a huge part in a successful culture shift at Petone Rugby that has seen a “One Club” Culture blossom.
• He has dual roles, firstly as Club Captain then as Junior Convener. Traditionally these always been two very busy, separate roles. • Was the Wellington Rugby Union Volunteer of the Year 2016 • Was one of three finalists in the same category at the NZ Rugby Union Steinlager Awards 2016. |
A committed worker Sonya fulfils many responsible roles in Hutt Valley Softball including:
• Saints Softball Club – Team - Manager of the Premier Women's Team, Committee Member, in charge of Social Media • Taita College Girls Softball Team coaching • Hutt Valley Softball - Manager of Under 17 and Under 19 Womens Teams, National Champions |
Ethan Moore receives his award from Anthony Fryenhoek of Bartercard and Steve Hansen.
Ethan is an up and coming competitor across all classes of Kayaking K1, K2, K4 and all distances 200m, 500m and 1000m. He performs with distinction, at World, Australasian and National levels, including 8th placing in the Junior World Championships K2 semi, placing first in one event and medalling in three others in the Australian Grand Prix 2 Regatta Under 18 Men’s.
At the Nationals 2017, he achieved 8 placings. in the Under 18 Mens and three in Mens Open placings.
At the Nationals 2017, he achieved 8 placings. in the Under 18 Mens and three in Mens Open placings.
Finalists:
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Asafi Aumua (Rugby)
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Ethan Moore (Canoe Sprint Racing - Kayaking)
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Finlay Seeds (Athletics)
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An extremely promising Rugby player Asafi has in the last year:
• Made the New Zealand under 20's World Cup Team • Made and played in the Wellington Lions and the Hurricanes development squad. • Won the Wellington Rugby Awards "Most promising player of the year" and the “AL Keown Memorial Cup" |
Ethan is an up and coming competitor across all classes of Kayaking (K1, K2, K4) and all distances (200m, 500m and 1000m) performing with distinction at World, Australasian and National levels including:
• 2016 Canoe Racing New Zealand Junior Worlds Team Belarus - July 28th - 8th in semi K2 200m • Australian Grand Prix 2 Regatta Under 18 Men’s - 1st x 1, 2nd x 2, 3rd x1, 5th x1, 6th x1 • Nationals 2017 -U18 Men's (8 placings) and Open (3 placings) |
Finlay is a precocious young athlete who after only 2 years competing has amassed an outstanding record across all disciplines in middle distance (800m/1500m), cross-country and road racing.
• His results are equally impressive in national, regional and local events, winning and setting records in his Junior, Under 16 and Under 15 classes. |
Chelsey Edwards (Swimming)
Chelsey is presented her award by Andrew Blair of the Hutt Valley DHB and Steve Hansen.
Chelsey has had a very accomplished last 6 months in which she has established herself as a serious contender for 2018 Commonwealth Games selection in her disciplines of 500m and 200m Freestyle.
At the National Age Groups Championships, she won 14 Medals, 6 gold, 7 silver, 1 bronze and
4 gold medals at the New Zealand Secondary Schools competitions.
She set 5 Wellington records and was a member of the New Zealand Team to compete at the Australian Age Groups Nationals.
At the National Age Groups Championships, she won 14 Medals, 6 gold, 7 silver, 1 bronze and
4 gold medals at the New Zealand Secondary Schools competitions.
She set 5 Wellington records and was a member of the New Zealand Team to compete at the Australian Age Groups Nationals.
Finalists:
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Chelsey Edwards (Swimming)
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Emma Main (Football)
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Phoebe McKnight (Athletics)
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Chelsey has had a very accomplished last 6 months in which she has established herself as serious contender for 2018 Commonwealth Games selection in her disciplines of 500 m and 200m Freestyle.
• National Medals Age Groups - 6 gold, 7 silver, 1 bronze • NZ Secondary Schools 4 gold medals • 5 Wellington records • NZ Team to compete at Australian Age Groups Nationals |
Emma is a totally committed and dedicated young goal scorer who:
• Represented NZ at the Under 17 World Cup in Jordan in 2016 • Was included national U-20s in a development role in a qualifying tournament for the older age group World Cup • Was Capital Football player of the year for the past two years (2015 & 2016) |
At 15, Phoebe is one of New Zealand's emerging young middle distance talents.
In the 2016/17 summer she won: • Silver medals in both the NZ U18 and U20 3000m championships • The NZ U20 5000m championship. • The Australian U18 3000m title in 9min 41sec, beating the first Australian home by over 10sec |
Rory Woolett (Rugby)
Steve Hansen and Boulcott Hospital's Sarah Boyes present Rory Woolett with the award.
To prepare him to achieve his dreams to become an All Black, and, to call the shots at a Rugby World Cup Final, Petone Rugby Club’s Rory Woollett immerses himself totally in all aspects of that Club’s administration and functioning.
He won the Hutt News Hutt City Youth Award for Contribution to Sport, is Petone Club Captain and Junior Convenor, and referees College and Club Rugby, and Helps run Club School Holiday Programmes
He won the Hutt News Hutt City Youth Award for Contribution to Sport, is Petone Club Captain and Junior Convenor, and referees College and Club Rugby, and Helps run Club School Holiday Programmes
Finalists:
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Rory Woolett (Rugby)
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Stephanie Hoare (Touch Rugby)
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Tom Walsh (Rowing)
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To prepare him to achieve his dreams to become an All Black and to call the shots at a Rugby World Cup Final Petone Rugby Club’s Rory immerses himself totally in all aspects of the Club’s administration and functioning.
Rory: • Won the Hutt News Hutt City Youth Award for Contribution to Sport • Attends Refereeing training and referees College and Club Rugby • Takes responsibility for changing Rooms and gear • Helps run Club School Holiday Programmes |
Stephanie is serious Touch player with a strong social ethic who still finds time to coach, manage and inspire young Wellington players.
This year she has: • Managed the Wellington U14 Boys team who completed in the Central Intra Provincial Series • Coached the Wellington U16 Girls team • Played for the Wellington Senior Open Mixed Team • Run the Wellington Touch Module |
When the coach of the Petone Rowing Club that had a promising squad of novice men for the first time in several years left the club – Tom was quick to fill the gap - offering his support, time and commitment to see the successes of a group of young men.
• He attended the Wellington Rowing Association Coach boat training course • He managed daily land based and water trainings for the squad • He often spent over 14 hours a week running trainings A big commitment for a final year student working part time. |
Mary Fisher (Para-Swimming)
Mary receives her awards from Prue Lamason of the Hutt Mana Charitable Trust and Steve Hansen.
Mary is vision impaired with light perception, and swims in the Para S11 swimming classification where all swimmers wear blacked out goggles.
Beside her outstanding Rio de Janiero Performances, Mary set four Oceania Records at either the Olympics or the World IDM Championships in Berlin. She was a Halberg Awards Finalist, and was awarded a Massey University Sports Blue.
She was Wellington Swimmer and Disabled Swimmer of the Year 2016.
Mary also visits schools, sports, and youth groups in the Hutt Valley and Wellington, to speak about Rio and to engage with them and show achieving dreams is possible.
Beside her outstanding Rio de Janiero Performances, Mary set four Oceania Records at either the Olympics or the World IDM Championships in Berlin. She was a Halberg Awards Finalist, and was awarded a Massey University Sports Blue.
She was Wellington Swimmer and Disabled Swimmer of the Year 2016.
Mary also visits schools, sports, and youth groups in the Hutt Valley and Wellington, to speak about Rio and to engage with them and show achieving dreams is possible.
Finalists:
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Rebecca Heath (Para Alpine Skiing)
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Mary Fisher (Para-Swimming)
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Thomas Loftus (Para Alpine Skiiing)
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Rebecca was selected for the Special Olympics New Zealand squad of 13 athletes who represented our country at the Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Austria, March 2017.
She did exceptionally well winning: • a Silver Medal in the Intermediate Giant Slalom course • a Bronze Medal in the Intermediate Super G course Rebecca is a Global Messenger for Special Olympics |
Mary is vision impaired with light perception and swims in the Para S11 swimming classification where all swimmers wear blacked out goggles.
• Beside her outstanding Rio de Janiero Performances Mary set four Oceania Records at either the Olympics or the World IDM Championships in Berlin • Was a Halberg Awards Finalist • Was awarded a Massey University Sports Blue • Was Wellington Swimmer and Disabled Swimmer of the Year 2016 |
Thomas was selected for the Special Olympics New Zealand squad of 13 athletes who represented our country at the Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Austria in March 2017.
Thomas won: • a Silver Medal in the Advance Giant Slalom course • 6th Place in the Advanced Super G course Thomas is a Global Messenger for Special Olympics New Zealand |
Upper Hutt City Council Official of the YearKathy Cross (Cricket Umpire)
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Kathy Cross receives the award from Mayor of Upper Hutt City, Wayne Guppy and Steve Hansen.
Kathy continues to be one of the foremost cricket umpires in New Zealand, umpiring both Mens and Womens Cricket Internationally, Nationally, and locally.
In 2016, she stood in the New Zealand Women v Pakistan and Bangladesh Series in New Zealand, and the Mens World Cricket League Division 5 in Los Angeles.
Kathy umpired the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Sri Lanka and the New Zealand Womens Rose Bowl Series v Australia in 2017.
In 2016, she stood in the New Zealand Women v Pakistan and Bangladesh Series in New Zealand, and the Mens World Cricket League Division 5 in Los Angeles.
Kathy umpired the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Sri Lanka and the New Zealand Womens Rose Bowl Series v Australia in 2017.
Finalists:
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Carlie-Ann Rua (Touch Rugby)
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Kathy Cross (Cricket Umpire)
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Joanne Hyde (Softball)
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Carlie – Ann was selected for the Australian National Youth Championship in September 2016 performing well and gaining good respect.
Carlie - Ann: • Is one of the leaders of the Wellington referee development program mentoring and developing Wellington female youth referees in particular • Attended the Junior National Championship, the Maori Touch National Championship, and numerous regional touch events |
Kathy continues to be one of the foremost cricket umpires in New Zealand umpiring both Mens and Womens Cricket Internationally, Nationally and locally:
• 2016 - NZ Women v Pakistan and Bangladesh Series (in NZ) - World Cricket League Div. 5 (Men) in Los Angeles, USA • 2017 - Women's World Cup Qualifiers (in Sri Lanka) - NZ Women v Australia Rose Bowl Series (in NZ) |
Joanne is the chief Scorer for the Hutt Valley Softball Association and in the last year has been:
• Scorer for the NZ Junior Black Sox team that attended the Junior World Series in Michigan • Scorer for the NZ Junior White Sox team to attend the Junior World Series in Florida • Hutt Valley representative scorer attending the following national tournaments. North Island U15 Boys, NZ U17 Boys, NZ U19 Girls. • Scorer for Hutt Valley Dodgers Premier Mens Team • Nutrition Advisor Hutt Valley 2017 Green to Gold Development Program for the Hutt Valley |
