At last night's Āti Awa Toa Wellington Regional Sports Awards, the spotlight shone on those whose commitment, leadership and excellence are shaping the future of sport across the region. Hosted in association with our iwi partners Te Rūnananganui o Te Āti Awa and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Toa, the awards celebrated athletes, coaches, officials, clubs, volunteers and community leaders with an impact that extends beyond the scoreboard. 

By celebrating the achievements of athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers across community and performance sport, the awards reflect our commitment to promoting and advocating for physical activity that is accessible to everyone throughout the greater Wellington region. 

One of the great new features of recent editions of the awards has been iwi awards acknowledging outstanding contributions to the two local iwi by their own. Melisa Tupivao was recognised for her extraordinary contribution to softball and her international sporting career; Len Hetet, for his cultural leadership; and Yvanni Gibson, as a rising basketball star already making his mark on the international stage. Toa Waka Ama and Te Kapa Haka o Puketauea were also honoured for showcasing the power of culture, community and collective excellence.

Community impact is always a big part of these awards. And in the category dedicated to Community Impact, Krystal Nikara, Jo Allen, Petone Rowing Club and Wellington Samoa Kirikiti Association were recognised for breaking down barriers to participation and creating opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to engage in sport, recreation and wellbeing. 

In addition to those making a difference for their hapori, the region's unsung heroes also received their moment in the spotlight. Volunteer of the Year Matt Warren was recognised for more than three decades of service to surf lifesaving and canoe sprinting, while Officials of the Year La Winitana and Zac Prendergast were celebrated for their mahi in rugby league and cycling officiating. 

Excellence in coaching and leadership was highlighted through the achievements of Gary Gibson, Thomas Makea and Robyn Morete, whose work covered cycling, softball and rugby league, ensuring a wide range of the sports enjoyed by people in the region were acknowledged during the evening.

In the night's premier honours, Melie Kerr was named Sportsperson of the Year following another exceptional season as White Ferns captain and one of world cricket's leading performers. Rising athletics star Joe Martin claimed Rangatahi Sportsperson of the Year, while paracyclist Rory Mead was named Disabled Sportsperson of the Year after producing his strongest international campaign to date. Team honours went to the Wellington Phoenix Women's Team at performance level, and the Paekākāriki U23 Women's Surfboat Crew were recognised at a community level. 

Every year the Awards feature a Lifetime Contribution Award. This year's recipient was Gráinne Moss, whose extraordinary achievements in open-water swimming have been matched by her commitment to fundraising, mentoring and supporting others. 

The evening culminated with the induction of four iconic figures into the Sports Legends of Wellington: Trish Hina, the late Jerry Collins, Rodney So'oialo and Irene van Dyk. Collectively, their achievements have inspired generations and helped define Wellington's sporting identity on the national and international stage.

The 2026 Āti Awa Toa Wellington Regional Sports Awards demonstrated that sport is about far more than winning. It is about creating opportunities, building confidence, strengthening communities and inspiring people to pursue their potential. From world champions and future stars to volunteers who quietly give thousands of hours in service, this year's recipients represent the very best of the Wellington region.

 

A summary of the 2026 winners

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Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa He Tohu Hono ki tōna Hapori

Melisa Tupuivao

Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira He Tohu Taiohi Hono ki tōna Hapori

Yvanni Gibson

Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa He Tohu Herenga Tangata

Len Hetet

Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira He Tohu Arohanui ki te Tangata

TOA Waka Ama

Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa He Tohu Arohanui ki te Tangata

Te Kapa Haka o Pukeatua

Wellington City Council Community Impact

Krystal Nikara (Hauora Initiative)

Jo Allen (Sense Rugby)

Petone Rowing Club (Rowing)

Wellington Samoa Kirikiti Association (Kirikiti)

Pacific Health Service Hutt Valley Leadership Award

Robyn Morete (Rugby League)

Kāpiti Coast District Council Volunteer of the Year

Matt Warren (Surf Lifesaving & Canoeing)

Porirua City Council Club of the Year

Ulalei Wainuiomata (Netball)

BDO Official of the Year

La Winitana (Rugby League - Community)

Zac Prendergast (Cycling - Performance)

Sharesies Coach of the Year

Gary Gibson (Cycling - Community)

Thomas Makea (Softball - Performance)

Holdsworth Charitable Trust Disabled Sportsperson of the Year

Rory Mead (Paracycling)

IT Works Rangatahi Sportsperson of the Year

Joe Martin (Athletics)

Craigs Investment Partners Sportsperson of the Year

Amelia Kerr (Cricket)

Te Awe Wellington Māori Business Network Team of the Year

Paekākāriki U23 Women’s Surf Boat Crew (Surf Lifesaving - Community)

Wellington Phoenix Women (Football - Performance)

ASB Lifetime Contribution

Gráinne Moss (Open Water Swimming)

Gibson Sheat Sports Legends of Wellington 2026

Trish Hina (Rugby Union, Rugby League, Touch, Softball)

Jerry Collins (Rugby Union)

Rodney So'oialo (Rugby Union)

Irene van Dyk (Netball)