Awards celebrate rural sports talent
At a gala evening held at Palmerston North in March, the sporting and rural communities came together to celebrate the Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards.
Earlier this year, Annaliese Atina became Ford New Zealand’s managing director and 2025 will be her first Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards.
Atina says the awards are a highlight for both Ford and the team at Courtesy Ford Manawatu.
“Rural sports are deeply connected to New Zealand’s heritage. Ford is proud to recognise the hard work, dedication, and achievements of athletes and supporters— both emerging talent and long-time contributors.”
Convenor of Judges, Paul Allison (MNZM) says the 2024 awards were his first and he was incredibly impressed by the calibre of nominees and professionalism of the awards.
“The awards play a vital role in recognising and celebrating the incredible achievements of rural sportspeople. They not only shine a spotlight on those who excel in their fields but also acknowledge the significant contributions of those working behind the scenes who ensure the success of rural sports.”
Nominations are open to rural sports organisations or clubs involved in wood-chopping, shearing, horse-riding, tree-climbing, shooting, rodeo, harness racing, highland heavies, gumboot throwing, ploughing and fencing. The award categories are:
- The PTS Logistics New Zealand Rural Sportsman of the Year Award
- The RX Plastics New Zealand Rural Sportswoman of the Year Award
- The Fonterra Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year Award
- Permobil Rural Sportsperson with a Disability
- The TAB Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rural Sports Award
- The Courtesy Ford Lifetime Legacy Award
- The Sir Brian Lochore Memorial Award for Outstanding Sportsperson from a Rural Background - finalists and the winners are announced on the night of the awards.
- The Ford Supreme New Zealand Rural Sportsperson Award - judges select one overall winner to go home with the Supreme Award.
Allison is urging sports administrators and regional sports organisations to submit nominations for the NZ Rural Sports Awards. Nominations close on 24 January 2025, and finalists for the Men’s, Women’s and Youth categories will be announced in February 2024. While winners of other awards will be announced on the night of the awards.
The Awards will be presented at a gala function at Awapuni Racecourse on Friday, 7 March 2025, during the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games Weekend in Palmerston North.
