17 Jan 2024
The ISPS Handa Halberg Awards has today opened voting for the only publicly voted category: New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment. This category showcases ten finalists, each representing a remarkable sporting moment that has touched the hearts of Kiwis in 2023.
This year’s finalists encompass an array of achievements. From adrenaline-pumping victories to displays of determination, these moments represent the essence of sportsmanship, resilience, teamwork and triumph.
Adding an exciting layer to this celebration, the award-winning podcast “Between Two Beers” is announced as a collaborative partner for New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment category. Hosts Steven Holloway and Seamus Marten will be releasing two special episodes discussing these moments in the lead up to the Awards.
As the only category open to public vote, New Zealand’s public play an integral role in honouring their most beloved sporting memory.
The full list of the Top 10 Sporting Moments are:
- Black Caps – beat England by one run, just the second time in History a test match has been won by one run, and the fourth instance of a side winning after following on. February 2023 (cricket)
- New Zealand Warriors – remarkable 32-30 victory over the Sharks, after trailing 20-0 just 18 minutes into the game. April 2023 (rugby-league)
- Shane van Gisbergen – wins debut NASCAR race in Chicago, the first time a driver has won on debut in over 60 years. July 2023 (motorsport)
- Hannah Wilkinson – scores the only goal in the opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup against Norway. July 2023 (football)
- Mea Motu – defends IBO world super bantamweight title after dislocating her shoulder in the first round. August 2023 (boxing)
- Women’s K4 Kayak 500m – became the first K4 crew from New Zealand – male or female – to win a K4 World Championship Title. August 2023 (canoe racing)
- Ryan Fox – celebrates winning the BMW PGA Championship. September 2023 (golf)
- Liam Lawson – earned first Formula One points placing ninth at the Singapore Grand Prix. September 2023 (motorsport)
- Sam Whitelock – wins a turnover in the final moment of the game to secure an All Blacks victory in the Rugby World Cup Quarter Final match against Ireland. October 2023 (rugby union)
- Ronaldo Mulitalo – started and finished a sensational length-of-the-field movement by the Kiwis in the 14th minute against the Kangaroos. November 2023 (rugby league)
How to vote:
New Zealanders can vote once-a-day at www.halberg.co.nz/vote from now until 9.00pm on Wednesday 14 February 2024.
The ISPS Handa Halberg Awards, renowned for recognising excellence in New Zealand sport, are honoured to partner with “Between Two Beers,” a podcast celebrated for its engaging sports narratives and profound insights on this category. The winner will be announced at the 61st ISPS Handa Halberg Awards ceremony on Wednesday 14 February at Spark Arena in Auckland and will be broadcast live on Sky Sport and free-to-air on Sky Open from 8pm.
Since its establishment in 1963 by the late Sir Murray Halberg, ONZ, these awards have been a beacon of recognition for extraordinary athletic feats. More than just a celebration, the Awards serve as the key fundraiser for the Halberg charity, to support the work of Sir Murray’s legacy of ensuring equal sporting and recreation opportunities for young individuals with physical disabilities.