Mid Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards

Hokonui is proud to support the Ashburton Guardian Mid Canterbury Sport and Recreation Awards. 

The 2025 list of finalists has now been released. 35 have been named across 8 categories, covering 20 sporting codes. Sport Canterbury's Mid Canterbury Community Advisor Alice Breading says "the quality of nominations this year is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication within our community". 

Don't miss the Awards Night on SAT 17 MAY (a change to Sat this year) at Hotel Ashburton, 7pm. Featuring special guest, Paralympian and Halberg winner Anna Grimaldi. Tickets available here. 

THE FINALISTS:

Official of the Year

• Helen Tait (Swimming)
• Heath Lyttle (Softball)
• Kevin Opele (Rugby)
• Riki Philpott (Basketball)
• Jack Strawbridge (Basketball)

Volunteer of the Year

• Paul Churchill (Rugby)
• Kate Perry (Equestrian)
• Ellen Pryor (Squash)
• Anna Redmond (Multisport)
• Henry Ross (Tennis)
• Owen Wylie (Football)

Community Sport and Recreation Impact Award

• Ashburton Domain Parkrun
• Longbeach Coastal Challenge
• Mid Canterbury Rugby's Primary School Rippa Competition
• Primary Sports Canterbury's Whakanui Whaikaha - Disability Play Partnership 

Coach of the Year

• Tom Kearney and Simon Chapman (Rugby)
• Ange Ledley (Netball)
• Jack Tiller (Tennis)
• Mathew Winter (Rugby)

Outstanding Youth in Sport

• Chloe Graham (Cricket)
• Fletcher Hobbs (Rugby)
• Amelia Mitchell (Netball)
• Makeleta Ula (Netball)
• Katelyn Wilson (Shooting)

Masters' Sportsperson of the Year

• Kyle Gray (Road Cycling)
• Cherie Summers-Wright (Swimming)
• Tawny Wagstaff (Speed Skiing)

Team of the Year

• Adelys and Lani Tarauna (Petanque)
• Ashburton Petanque Club
• Celtic Auric Electrical A (Netball)
• Mid Canterbury Heartland Rugby Team

Sportsperson of the Year

• Britney Moore (Highland Dancing)
• Brea Roderick (Multisport)
• Tawny Wagstaff (Speed Skiing)
• Emma Waite (Multisport)