Nominations are now open for the 2026 Network Waitaki Sports Awards, an opportunity to celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions within the Waitaki district sporting community. 

Organised by North Otago Sports Bodies in partnership with Sport Waitaki, the awards recognise the efforts of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, and teams who have made a positive impact across the district. 

Some changes have been introduced this year to align the Waitaki awards with the wider Otago sports awards calendar. 

This year's awards night will take place on Thursday, May 21, at the Waitaki Community Recreation Centre – shifting from the traditional March date. 

As part of a transition to a consistent Otago nomination cycle, the eligibility period for the 2026 Network Waitaki Sports Awards will cover 15 months, recognising achievements from 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2026. 

From 2027 onward, the eligibility period will standardise to 1 April – 31 March annually. This year’s extended period ensures everyone’s success and contributions have an opportunity to be recognised throughout the transition. 

Award Categories 

  • Male Emerging Talent (Year 8 student during the nomination period) 
  • Female Emerging Talent (Year 8 student during the nomination period) 
  • Junior Sportswoman of the Year (18 years or younger during the nomination period) 
  • Junior Sportsman of the Year (18 years or younger during the nomination period) 
  • Sportsman of the Year 
  • Sportswoman of the Year 
  • Team of the Year 
  • Coach of the Year 
  • Masters Athlete of the Year (50+ during the nomination period) 
  • Athlete with a Disability 
  • Denis Birtles Memorial Services to Sport Award 
  • Stewart Mitchell Award for Official in Sport 

Sport Waitaki Regional Coordinator Sara Harding emphasised the importance of celebrating sport and active recreation within the community.  

“The Network Waitaki Sports Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the people who inspire us through their dedication, achievements, and leadership in sport and active recreation. 

“Whether it’s a rising young star, an athlete at the top of their game, or a long-serving volunteer making a difference for their sport, these awards are about acknowledging the positive impact sport has across the Waitaki district. 

“We encourage nominations across all sports – big or small, traditional or emerging. The awards recognise the full diversity of our sporting landscape in Waitaki and the people who help it thrive.” 

The event continues to be made possible through the generous support of naming‑rights sponsor Network Waitaki and so many other amazing local businesses. Their commitment to recognising and uplifting local sporting achievement plays a vital role in ensuring the awards remain a highlight of the district’s annual calendar. 

Nominations close on Sunday, 5 April, at 11.59 pm. 

For full nomination criteria and to submit a nomination, head to the Network Waitaki Sports Awards tab on our website.