The honour ultimately went to the women’s K4 sprint kayak team, a well-deserved recognition of their Olympic gold medal performance—a moment that cemented their status among the world’s best.
But as much as I celebrate their achievement, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment that Emirates Team New Zealand didn’t take home the award.
Where does the America’s Cup fit in the Halbergs?
Looking back over the 62-year history of the Halberg Awards, certain trends emerge. When the All Blacks win a Rugby World Cup, they tend to be named Team of the Year. When the Black Caps achieve notable international success, they are often rewarded. Historically, Team New Zealand has also received its due—winning in 1990, 1995, 2000, and 2017, all years in which they secured the America’s Cup.
Yet, despite their commanding performance in Barcelona last year, Emirates Team New Zealand was overlooked this time around. Their superiority in the America’s Cup was unquestionable—outclassing the competition and once again reinforcing New Zealand’s place at the top of international sailing. The K4 team’s Olympic gold was remarkable, but I find myself wondering: was that achievement truly more significant than defending the oldest trophy in international sport?
Perhaps there was another factor at play. Could Team New Zealand’s decision to take the Cup offshore—to Barcelona instead of Auckland—have influenced the perception of their achievement? By choosing to maximise commercial opportunities and global exposure, they undeniably expanded the reach of the competition. But did this also come at a cost domestically? Was this, perhaps, a quiet rebuke for shifting the event away from New Zealand shores?
A proud night for New Zealand sport
Despite this lingering question, water-based sports shone brightly throughout the evening. From canoe sprint to rowing, to Finn Butcher’s moment of recognition in Kayak Cross, the event was a showcase of New Zealand’s extraordinary talent on the water.
The final award of the night—New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment—was perhaps the most poignant. Unlike the other categories, which are decided by panels of judges, this award is voted for by the people. And in 2025, that honour went to Finn Butcher, the young paddler from the south of the South Island, who delivered one of the most emotional sporting moments of the year by presenting his Olympic gold medal to his father shortly after his big, big win. It was a beautiful, heartfelt tribute, and his recognition tonight was thoroughly deserved. As a Dad, I can only hope that as my children grow up, I will see that I have done half the job that Finn’s parents clearly have.
The big picture
New Zealand sport is in a remarkably strong position, and tonight’s Halberg Awards highlighted the depth of talent across multiple disciplines. While Emirates Team New Zealand may not have walked away with the title, their impact on sailing and sport as a whole remains undeniable. No team has the right to win every year, nor should they. But as I sit here reflecting on the night, I can’t shake the feeling that this was a year where sailing could have, perhaps should have, been recognised at the highest level once again.
In the end, though, the Halbergs are about more than just winners and losers—they are about celebrating the best of New Zealand sport. And tonight, every nominee, every winner, and every moment reminded us why we are so proud of our athletes.
