2026 Finalists Announced
We are proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 NZCIS Hutt Valley Sports Awards.
Now in its 16th year, the awards continue to celebrate sporting excellence across Lower and Upper Hutt, recognising the athletes, teams, coaches, volunteers, officials and community champions who make a significant contribution to sport in our region.
The judging panel, led by Naomi Shaw MNZM, acknowledged the outstanding calibre of nominations received across all categories this year. The finalists reflect the strength, diversity and passion of sport throughout the Hutt Valley community.
Award winners will be announced at the 2026 NZCIS Hutt Valley Sports Awards ceremony on Thursday 21 May at the Walter Nash Centre in Lower Hutt.
This year’s event will also feature a special Sporting Legend Induction honouring Billy Graham MNZM, alongside live entertainment from acclaimed New Zealand artist Hollie Smith.
Now in its 16th year, the awards continue to celebrate sporting excellence across Lower and Upper Hutt, recognising the athletes, teams, coaches, volunteers, officials and community champions who make a significant contribution to sport in our region.
The judging panel, led by Naomi Shaw MNZM, acknowledged the outstanding calibre of nominations received across all categories this year. The finalists reflect the strength, diversity and passion of sport throughout the Hutt Valley community.
Award winners will be announced at the 2026 NZCIS Hutt Valley Sports Awards ceremony on Thursday 21 May at the Walter Nash Centre in Lower Hutt.
This year’s event will also feature a special Sporting Legend Induction honouring Billy Graham MNZM, alongside live entertainment from acclaimed New Zealand artist Hollie Smith.
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NZCIS Hutt Valley Sports Awards
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Finalists of each category are:
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HUTT CITY COUNCIL Administrator / Volunteer of the Year
Yvonne Manuel - Naenae College Mike Chan - Boulcott Farm Heritage Golf Club Jen Broster - Lower Hutt Athletics Club |
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UPPER HUTT CITY COUNCIL Official of the Year
Michael Johnson – Bowls Cory Mills – Football Heloise Simons – Football |
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GEE & HICKTON Young Sportsman of the Year
Asher Robertson – Athletics Tyrone Robinson – Softball Troy Waldrom – Athletics Ben Trenberth – Football |
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FISO Group Young Sportswoman of the Year
Yvanni Gibson – Softball Fanua Rimoni – Rugby League Brooke Neary – Football Trinity Tauaneai – Rugby League |
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NZCT Young Volunteer of the Year
Rebecca Bailey – Multiple Sport Sophia Turner – Power Lifting & Netball Kim-Marie Aurupa – Softball |
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PACIFIC RADIOLOGY Young Sports Team of the Year
Upper Hutt Floorball Team – Floorball Hutt Valley U19 Girls Softball Team – Softball Wellington U16 Mixed Touch Team – Touch |
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SKY SPORT NZ Media Contribution of the Year
Adam Fa'atoese – HV Samoa Rugby League Trust Beyond the Dugout Livestream – Multiple Sport |
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WINSTONE AGGREGATE Environment & Sustainability Award
Ulalei Sports Club Wainuiomata – Multi Sport Club Friends of Horoeka Scenic Reserve – Recreation |
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PKF KENDONS Coach of the Year
Kiri Shaw – Softball Gary Sue – Baseball, Rugby League, Softball & Rugby Fred Fereti – Rugby |
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HUTT MANA CHARITABLE TRUST Disabled Special Athlete of the Year
Mathew Henderson – Boccia Ruby Lasini – Athletics Adrian Browne – Bowls |
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GILLIES GROUP Team of the Year
Hutt Old Boys Marist Rugby Club – Rugby Randwick Premier Men's Rugby League – Rugby League Ulalei Aute Premier Women's Netball Team – Netball Saints Premier Women's Softball Team – Softball |
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LES MILLS Sportsman of the Year
Logan Curtis – Gymnastics Peter Lakai – Rugby Scott Basalaj – Football |
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PACIFIC HEALTH SERVICE HUTT VALLEY Sportswoman of the Year
Alexis Tauaneai – Rugby League Lisa White – Bowls Lace Tangianau – Softball Chelsey Edwards – Swimming |
