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 the inaugural Hydroflow Contribution to Rural Mental Health Award.
Convenor of Judges Paul Allison MNZM highlighted the historic nature of this year’s event. “Our finalists embody the relentless spirit and world-class talent found across rural New Zealand. We are not only celebrating champions who have conquered global stages, from the shearing stands of Te Kuiti to the tree canopies of Christchurch and the racetracks of Milan, but also those whose lifelong dedication and barrier-breaking achievements redefine what is possible. The depth of excellence, from pioneering teenagers to dominant veterans, makes this one of the most inspiring fields we have ever judged,” said Allison.
Annaliese Atina, Managing Director of Ford New Zealand, reinforced the event’s significance. “Ford is incredibly proud to stand with the heart of rural New Zealand by supporting these awards. This year’s finalists show us that rural sport is built on more than strength and speed; it’s built on legacy, innovation, and community. We see it in the generational expertise of our top trainers and shearers, the historic world titles won on home soil, and the young competitors already leading their fields. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the skill, determination, and passion that are the true engines of our rural communities,” said Atina.
The 2026 Award Finalists
- PTS Logistics NZ Rural Sportsman of the Year: Jack Jordan (Taumarunui, Wood Chopping), Leo Jecentho (Waingaro, Waikato, Sheep Dog Trials), Tim Stafford (Marton, Fencing).
- RX Plastics NZ Rural Sportswoman of the Year: Michelle Wallis (Auckland, Harness Racing), Steph Dryfhout (Bay of Plenty, Tree Climbing), Laura Bradley (Papatawa, Woodville, Shearing Sports).
- Fonterra Young NZ Rural Sportsperson of the Year: Wilson House (Canterbury, Harness Racing), Jack Matthews (Hokitika, Wood Chopping), Jodiesha Kirkpatrick (Gisborne, Shearing Sports).
Additional Awards to be Presented: The recipients of several other major awards will be revealed on the night, including the Permobil Rural Sportsperson with a Disability Award, the SportsInc Outstanding Contribution Award, the Courtesy Ford Lifetime Legacy Award, the Sir Brian Lochore Memorial Award (presented by Higgins Concrete), the Hydroflow Contribution to Rural Mental Health Award, and the Ford Supreme New Zealand Rural Sportsperson Award. The evening will also feature the historic first induction into the New Zealand Rural Sports Hall of Fame.
National Television Coverage: The celebration will extend nationwide, as it will be included in a 1-hr highlights programme on TVNZ1 and a dedicated programme capturing the highlights and winner stories set to air on TVNZ+ following the event. Broadcast dates will be confirmed soon.
Event Details: The 2026 Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards will be presented at a gala dinner at Awapuni Racecourse, Palmerston North, on Friday, 13 March 2026, as a highlight of the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games weekend.
Nominations for the awards were submitted by rural sports organisations and clubs involved in disciplines from woodchopping and shearing to ploughing, harness racing, fencing, and many more.
