A celebration of sporting excellence at Spark Arena
Tonight, the 62nd Halberg Awards will honour New Zealand’s top sporting achievements from 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024. The annual awards, held at Spark Arena in Auckland, bring together athletes, coaches, and sports professionals for a night of celebration, recognising outstanding performances across multiple categories.
With fierce competition across all disciplines, we focus on New Zealand’s on-water nominees, whose dedication and success have cemented them among the country’s sporting elite.
On-water nominees at the 62nd Halberg Awards
Sportswoman of the Year
- Lisa Carrington (Canoe Sprint) – The five-time Olympic gold medallist is once again in the running for Sportswoman of the Year, having dominated in canoe sprint events throughout the season.
- Emma Twigg (Rowing) – A consistent performer in world rowing, Twigg’s nomination reflects her continued excellence on the international stage.
Sportsman of the Year
- Flynn Butcher (Canoe Slalom) – A rising force in canoe slalom, Butcher’s performance over the past year has earned him a spot among New Zealand’s best male athletes.
Team of the Year
- Emirates Team New Zealand (Sailing – America’s Cup) – Representing New Zealand on the global stage, Emirates Team New Zealand is recognised for its achievements in one of the world’s most prestigious sailing competitions.
- Lucy Spoors & Brooke Francis (Rowing) – The rowing duo’s impressive performances have secured them a nomination in the team category.
- Women’s K2 Sprint Kayak Team (Canoe Sprint) – A powerhouse team delivering standout results in sprint kayaking.
- Women’s K4 Sprint Kayak Team (Canoe Sprint) – Another formidable force in New Zealand’s canoe sprint scene, nominated for their strong performances.
Coach of the Year
- Erin Osborne (Canoe Slalom – Coach of Flynn Butcher) – Recognised for her role in shaping Butcher’s success in canoe slalom.
- Gordon Walker (Canoe Sprint – Coach of Lisa Carrington, Women’s K2 & K4 teams) – A key figure behind New Zealand’s continued dominance in canoe sprint.
The Halberg Awards: Celebrating sporting excellence
The Halberg Awards are New Zealand’s premier sporting recognition event, honouring athletes who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, skill, and perseverance. The event is judged by a 30-member voting academy, which selects winners across major categories, including the Halberg Supreme Award, Sportsman, Sportswoman, Team, Para-Athlete, and Coach of the Year.
The Emerging Talent Award is decided by a separate eight-member jury, while the Sporting Moment Award is chosen through a public vote, following an initial shortlist determined by a panel of sports media professionals. The Leadership Award is awarded by Sport New Zealand, recognising exceptional contributions to the sporting community.
Beyond the awards: Supporting the Halberg Foundation
While the Halberg Awards are a night of celebration, they also play a crucial role in fundraising for the Halberg Foundation, a charity founded by Sir Murray Halberg. The foundation works to empower New Zealanders with physical disabilities, helping them participate in sports and recreation.
Looking back: Last year’s winners
At the 61st Halberg Awards, Dame Lisa Carrington took home the Supreme Halberg Award, alongside Sportswoman of the Year honours. As a nominee once again in 2025, all eyes will be on whether Carrington can repeat her success in this year’s awards.
A night to honour New Zealand’s sporting greats
As the 62nd Halberg Awards unfold at Spark Arena, the nation will celebrate its most inspiring sporting achievements. With New Zealand’s best on-water athletes in the running for top honours, we look forward to recognising their incredible performances and contributions to sport.
Stay tuned as we bring you the results from tonight’s ceremony, where our sporting heroes will take centre stage.
