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The Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards are once again calling on rural sporting organisations and clubs to nominate those who have shaped, inspired and contributed to their sports.
The awards return after a landmark ceremony earlier this year, when shearing and fencing legend John Fagan MBE became the first inductee into the New Zealand Rural Sports Hall of Fame, alongside receiving the Courtesy Ford Lifetime Legacy Award.
With a career spanning more than five decades, Fagan’s achievements extend beyond the competition arena, having made significant contributions as both an athlete and an administrator.
Fagan’s induction marked a milestone for the awards, celebrating those whose dedication and achievements have shaped New Zealand’s rural sporting heritage.
With nominations now open, convenor of judges Paul Allison MNZM is calling on rural sporting organisations and clubs across the country to nominate their outstanding athletes and contributors.
From woodchopping and shearing to horse riding, tree climbing, shooting, rodeo, harness racing, Highland games, gumboot throwing, ploughing, fencing and more, every rural sport has individuals whose achievements and contributions deserve recognition.
“Sports administrators and regional sporting organisations know the people who make their sports thrive. Whether it’s an athlete achieving success on the world stage, a promising young competitor inspiring the next generation, or someone who has dedicated decades to their sport, we want to hear their stories,” Allison said.
Nominations are open for:
● The PTS Logistics New Zealand Rural Sportsman of the Year Award
● The RX Plastics New Zealand Rural Sportswoman of the Year Award
● The Able Axcess Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year Award
● The Permobil Rural Sportsperson with a Disability Award
● The Sports Inc Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rural Sports Award – recipients to be announced on the night
● The Courtesy Ford Lifetime Legacy Award – recipients to be announced on the night.
In addition, the judging panel will select finalists and announce winners for the following awards on the night of the awards ceremony:
● The Sir Brian Lochore Memorial Award for Outstanding Sportsperson from a Rural Background
● The Hydroflow Contribution to Rural Mental Health Award
● The Ford Supreme New Zealand Rural Sportsperson Award
Nominations close on Friday, January 15. Finalists for the Men’s, Women’s and Youth categories will be announced in February 2027. All other recipients will be announced on the night of the awards.