The evening of 16th February was filled with cheer and excitement at Spark Arena for the prestigious 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards.
At the 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards, New Zealand sport’s grandest event, Olympic medallists, world champions, noted coaches, rising sports stars and sporting legends stepped onto the red carpet with energy and pomp alongside guests, all united by a shared passion for excellence in sports.
At the heart of it all stood Hamish Kerr. The high-jump star did not just walk away with two trophies; he owned the night. Kerr claimed both Sportsman of the Year and the coveted Supreme Award presented by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, crowning a season in which he conquered the world stage, reaffirming his place among the country’s elite. “It is such an honour to be nominated alongside such great sporting personalities, and to be announced as the winner is amazing,” Kerr started.
Yet it was not his own triumph that seemed big on the evening, but when his coach, James Sandilands, was announced as Coach of the Year, Kerr felt immense pride.
“Honestly, I’m more stoked for my coach than I am for myself. He has given me so much and is the reason behind everything I have done,” Kerr said.
For Sandilands, who had been a nominee at the previous edition, this award was both a milestone and a marker of an ongoing journey. “It is a special moment to win this alongside Hamish,” he smiled. “Besides the Olympic Gold and the world title, just being able to make a career out of athletics, travel the world has been a dream come true.”
But for Kerr, celebration quickly gives way to focus. “I already have my sights set on the 2026 New Zealand Track and Field Championships and Summer Circuit in March, before launching into another demanding international season ahead,” he shared.
As the cheers for Kerr settled, the arena turned its attention to another celebrated star. There was a thunderous applause for snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, named Sportswoman of the Year, even in her absence. Emerging runner Sam Ruthe and leadership award recipient Katie Sadleir were also honoured. Their absence was felt, but their achievements clearly resonated with the crowd.
But the night was far from only about individual sporting talent. The Black Ferns Sevens captured the Team of the Year award, a testament to unity, grit, and that unmistakable Kiwi swagger. Team representatives Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Jorja Miller, Stacey Waaka and Risi Pouri-Lane accepted the accolade.
Dressed to dazzle, the players could barely contain their excitement as they took the stage and spoke to us. “Each of us is so unique, and that’s what makes us so special as a team, but it is joy that allows us to enjoy what we do and pour our heart into the game,” Pouri-Lane said capturing the spirit of the team. Sorensen-McGee added, “It’s always special, and an honour to have young Kiwis look up to us.” Their words, full of pride, gratitude and laughter, captured the spirit that drives the team.
The evening turned special as two of New Zealand sport’s most iconic figures were welcomed into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. When Dame Valerie Adams and Sir Richie McCaw stepped forward, the crowd rose in a standing ovation that spoke volumes about the respect they command.
Adams, a towering force with world and Olympic shot-put titles, reminded everyone why she has become a beacon of excellence for aspiring athletes. “I feel honoured and hope to continue inspiring the next generation, especially within the Polynesian-Pacific community, and to serve my homeland Tonga through sport and leadership,” she said.
McCaw held the audience spellbound for 14 minutes, reflecting on a career that cemented his legendary status and sharing how he hopes to build on that legacy. “It is such an honour to be alongside those who’ve done amazing things for New Zealand sport. Consistency in showing up and in performance is something I’m proud of,” he said.
The Sporting Moment Award this year celebrated a memory that touched the nation. Eroni Clarke secretly sang the national anthem at Eden Park, bringing his son Caleb to tears just moments before he scored the opening try. Decided by public vote up until 8:30 p.m. on Awards night, the moment had captured the hearts of fans across the country. As the scene replayed to a loud, the father-son duo took to the stage to receive the honour, forever etched in New Zealand sporting history.
“What a long wait to find out the outcome. I feel such gratitude to my family and to the amazing public who voted. Gratitude is all I’m feeling right now,” said Eroni Clarke, reflecting on how emotional and incredible that moment was that sparked a deeper father-son bond.
The awards night, hosted by Brodie Jean Kane and Laura McGoldrick, was about more than glitz and glamour. Beyond the glittering trophies and unforgettable moments, Halberg Awards remains a celebration with purpose. Like every edition, the 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards raised crucial funds through auctions and raffles for the Halberg Foundation, which supports Kiwis with disabilities to participate in PE, sport and recreation.
As the night drew to a close a deeper message that the Halberg Awards are about inclusion, inspiration and the power of sport stood out.
