20 November 2025 | Auckland
The Halberg Foundation is thrilled to announce 2degrees as the new naming rights partner for the Sportswoman of the Year Award at the upcoming 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards.
This partnership proudly aligns with 2degrees’ SupportHer campaign, which champions women at every level of sport in Aotearoa – from grassroots to the global stage.
The 2degrees Sportswoman of the Year Award is one of the most fiercely contested and celebrated categories at the Halberg Awards. In recent years, it has featured some of New Zealand’s most iconic athletes – many of whom have gone onto claim the prestigious Supreme Halberg Award. From world champions to Olympic medallists, the women striving for this title represent the pinnacle of sporting excellence, resilience and inspiration.
Dame Valerie Adams, multiple-time Sportswoman of the Year winner and Olympic champion, reflected on what the award means.
“Winning the New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year award is not just a recognition of individual achievement, but a celebration of the strength, determination, and resilience of female athletes who inspire the next generation.
This accolade highlights the importance of women’s contributions to sports, promoting equality, and encouraging young girls to pursue their dreams.”
Halberg Foundation Chief Executive Tom Smith says the partnership is perfect fit.
“We are delighted to welcome 2degrees as a partner. The Sportswoman of the Year Award recognises not just the athletic brilliance, but the drive and determination that inspires young woman and girls across New Zealand. 2degrees’ SupportHer campaign beautifully complements Halberg’s mission to make sport accessible and inclusive for all.”
The 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards will take place on Monday, 16 Feb 2026, at Spark Arena, Auckland and broadcast live on Sky Sport. The 2degree’s Sportswoman of the Year Award is set to be one of the most anticipated moments of the night – a celebration of extraordinary women who continue to raise the bar for sport in Aotearoa.
