Athletes and administrators from timbersports, shearing, harness racing, rodeo, tree climbing, highland heavies, gumboot throwing and fencing have been announced as finalists in the New Zealand Rural Sports Awards.
In its seventh year, the awards honour the athletes and the volunteers and administrators who make rural sports possible.
Convenor of judges and Olympic medalist rower, Nathan Twaddle said the wealth of talent nominated was outstanding and it was a difficult job for the team of judges.
The Awards will be presented at a sold-out gala function at Awapuni Racecourse on Friday 10 March 2023, during the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games Weekend in Palmerston North.
Guest presenters include Comedians Jono and Ben, Paralympian Gold Medallist Javelin Thrower Holly Robinson MNZM, Commonwealth Games Hammer Throw Gold Medallist Julia Ratcliffe, former All Black Captain and one of the greatest flankers in history – Ian Kirkpatrick MBE, and the 9th fastest bowler on the planet, Adam Milne.
