The Sir Murray Halberg Award celebrates individuals whose remarkable contributions have left a lasting impact on disability sport communities in Aotearoa. Named in honour of the late Sir Murray Halberg, whose vision continues to inspire inclusion and opportunity for all, this award reflects his enduring legacy. We are excited to reveal the finalists who embody this spirit of empowerment at the 62nd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards.

CHARLOTTE JACKSON

Charlotte has changed the worlds of many people with disabilities living in the Wanaka area. For her, anything is possible, and her encouragement in the wider Upper Clutha community has seen the acceptance of people living with challenges has been absolutely amazing. Charlotte has been involved with the Mint Trust since it’s inception, and because of her, this group has access to daily play, active recreation and sporting opportunities. They go on bush walks, have weekly gym sessions at a local gym, ball sports at the Recreation Centre, dance class, a weekend camp that’s based around abseiling, canoeing, silent disco, volleyball, swimming. They go skiing, and participate in an annual triathlon and are now attending Special Olympics training and basketball competition. Thanks to Charlotte, our community has watched these young people grow in physical capability, strength, confidence, build friendships, and more importantly it’s shown our community the value of inclusion.

“Charlotte has been working with this group for four years. She goes above and beyond in her daily job, and beyond this. Her knowledge in the field of adaptive sport and recreation (previously a ski instructor) is excellent. She has connected our community to engage as volunteers with Mint, and to fundraise towards their opportunities. Charlotte has created a community minded organisation that connects people through sport, active recreation and play, and also the arts and cultural activities” – Community Member

NEISHA KINDLEY

Neisha has raised the awareness of opportunities for young disabled people within the Tasman region significantly. Initially she shared her experience and personal journey as a parent of a child with a disability, including the challenges she has faced in accessing inclusive sports and recreational activities. She has supported parents of children and provided them the confidence to enable their children to train and participate at the Halberg Games. Through the sharing of her families experiences it has inspired her to address barriers for other families in similar situations, Neisha found relics of wheelchair basketball chairs that were unused and partnering with a bike hub to get them fixed up. She raised funds for a trailer to get them moved around within the community and into schools so that all children can participate. When Tasman CC Launched a new basketball facility Neisha initiated the inclusion of wheelchair basketball and for the first time wheelchair users practising the same skills and drills – the kids that were coming down to see the shiny new facility were queuing up to participate and have a go at wheelchair basketball.

“It is remarkable to witness the increased participation of more young people with disabilities through Neisha’s continued commitment. Neisha has made efforts to secure funding, equipment, and facilities to make sport and recreation more accessible and regularly advocates for playgrounds and sports organisations to prioritise inclusivity” – Nomination Quote.

DANI EGLE-BAST

Dani is chair of the Auckland Wheelbreakers and runs all the training sessions, alongside organising national tournaments for 2 teams and the junior division. She is the life force of wheelchair basketball in Auckland, and New Zealand, and not only clubs, but possibly the whole sport in New Zealand could not run without Dani. She is relentlessly attentive to all players and their unique needs and committed to growing the club, bringing opportunities to more young players and making the sport inclusive and enjoyable for everyone regardless of age, abilities or gender identity. Dani coaches sessions in an empowering and positive manner, making every single player feel like they have something important to contribute to the team and the club.

“As a player in the Wheelbreakers club, I truly cannot imagine the club running at all without her, let alone being as strong as it is now. The work she puts in means our players can travel to the National League Tournaments at little, if any, personal cost, and we can compete national, this year winning both the A and B division rounds of the National Tournament” – Wheelbreakers Player

JEREMY MAXWELL

Jeremy has made a significant impact on the disability community. After seeing there were little accessible group fitness classes in Taranaki, resulting in many people with disabilities not having the same fitness opportunities as their able-bodied peers, in 2019 Jeremy set out to change this. He was the key driver of adaptive fitness classes in New Plymouth. Recognising that Latitude 39 Gym sits within a community but does not engage all, especially people with impairments, Jeremy challenged his team to innovate and adapt to ensure Latitude 39 was a space for everyone. Through Jeremy’s work, he has instilled in people with disabilities a kete containing all the tools they need to be active, confident, and empowered gym users. Young people who have been frequent attendees are now young adults and have been guided on a journey in physical activity.

“Jeremy refuses to accept old thinking and is determined to see individuals be more than they thought possible. He is deeply invested in building relationships and trust among the disability community, and his commitment to doing so is evident in his work and the impact made” – Latitude 39 Member

MICHAEL HYNARD

Michael Hynard’s work with his Functional Adaptive Movement (FAM) program has had a transformative impact on individuals with disabilities, providing a space for people of all ages and abilities to improve their physical, mental, and social well-being. His program caters to people with various conditions, including cerebral palsy, autism, and other intellectual and physical disabilities, helping them gain strength, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Mike’s ability to adapt exercise and create tailored routines has made FAM a safe, inclusive environment where participants feel valued, supported, and empowered. Through presentations, community outreach, and mentoring, Mike has become a leader in adaptive fitness, making a lasting impact on individuals, families, and the broader community.

“Mike and FAM has changed my life, and all the other young people who come to our crossfit class every week. There was nothing around before Mike started our classes, specifically designed for people with a whole lot of different disabilities. My overall physical strength is so much better but I have met friends, and love going every week. We have laughs, lots of sweat and it’s amazing!”- Functional Adaptive Movement Program Participant

The winner will be announced at the 62nd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards, Tuesday 18th February 2025, make sure to tune in live on Sky Sport and Sky Open. Not long to go now!