The New Zealand Rural Sports Awards celebrate the people who embody the passion, dedication, and spirit of rural sport. Each year, we recognise the outstanding achievements of athletes, officials, volunteers, and communities whose commitment helps shape New Zealand’s sporting landscape.
The Awards are more than a night of celebration – they are an opportunity to champion the future of rural sport. Funds raised through the event support the New Zealand Rural Games Trust, helping deliver events, programmes, and initiatives that encourage participation, foster community connections, and inspire the next generation to embrace healthy, active lifestyles. The NZ Rural Games Trust Scholarship programme supports rural youth pursuing rural sports, and food and fibre related study.
By attending, sponsoring, or supporting the Awards, you are not only recognising excellence in rural sport but also helping ensure it continues to thrive for generations to come.
The New Zealand Rural Sports Awards celebrate the people who embody the passion, dedication, and spirit of rural sport. Each year, we recognise the outstanding achievements of athletes, officials, volunteers, and communities whose commitment helps shape New Zealand’s sporting landscape.
The Awards are more than a night of celebration – they are an opportunity to champion the future of rural sport. Funds raised through the event support the New Zealand Rural Games Trust, helping deliver events, programmes, and initiatives that encourage participation, foster community connections, and inspire the next generation to embrace healthy, active lifestyles. The NZ Rural Games Trust Scholarship programme supports rural youth pursuing rural sports, and food and fibre related study.
By attending, sponsoring, or supporting the Awards, you are not only recognising excellence in rural sport but also helping ensure it continues to thrive for generations to come.
Every year, the Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards brings the community together not just to celebrate excellence, but to give back. In 2026, we harnessed the spirit of rural NZ to raise vital funds for two incredible causes: Lean on
The Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards made history tonight, celebrating not only the nation’s finest rural athletes but also the launch of the New Zealand Rural Sports Hall of Fame and the presentation of the inaugural Hydroflow Contribution to
The Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards are set for a landmark event on Friday, 13 March 2026, as organisers announce the finalists for the nation’s premier rural sports honours alongside the launch of the New Zealand Rural Sports Hall of Fame and
Rural sports are set to reach a national audience like never before. Next year, TVNZ 1 will air the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games 2026 highlights programme and stream a further nine programmes on TVNZ+. The Ford Ranger New
Preserving the legacy of our rural heritage for future generations
Sign up to the New Zealand Rural Games e-newsletter for information updates about the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Sports Awards.
Founder
Steve Hollander is the founder of the NZ Rural Games Trust and a key figure in promoting New Zealand’s rural sports and community. In 2013, his pioneering vision led to the creation of the Trust, which successfully launched flagship events including the NZ Rural Games, the Rural Sports Awards, Agri Futures, and Clash of The Colleges.
His entrepreneurial drive extends beyond events. He is also involved with Future Post, an innovative company that recycles plastic waste into durable fence posts. A Christchurch-born sports enthusiast with a degree in Physical Education from the University of Otago, Steve has played multiple sports at a premier club level and still enjoys cricket and a hit of golf on a Wednesday afternoon. His favourite rural sport is wood chopping.
After extensive international travel, he returned to New Zealand, where his experience in the travel industry evolved into a specialisation in event travel management for major sporting events. Along with his wife Karen, he is passionate about harness racing and has been breeding, owning and amateur driving horses for many years out of their lifestyle property north of Auckland.
