Giving Back Through Sport: The 2026 Charity Auction

Framed NZ Olympic uniforms

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 a Gate and the NZ Rural Games Trust Youth Scholarship Programme.

Supporting the Next Generation

Thanks to the generosity of our attendees, $5,500 was raised for our youth scholarship programme. These funds will help nurture the future leaders of our rural industries. Applications for the 2026 scholarship round open on 3rd August.

Framed Olympic gear

Alongside funds raised, an additional $7,750 was donated to our 2026 scholarship programme.

The Art of Giving: Lean on a Gate

Rural life can be tough, but no one should face it alone. Craig ‘Wiggy’ Wiggins founded Lean on a Gate to break down barriers and build connections for mental health and wellness in rural communities. Today, his team delivers crucial support to farmers and rural New Zealanders.

To support this cause, we were privileged to receive a stunning sculpture donated by the very talented Tony Waugh, a key figure behind the renowned Kimbolton Sculpture Festival.

Metal sculpture of a man and dog

With thanks to

The generous support of the Van Uffelen Gallery.

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Giving Back Through Sport: The 2026 Charity Auction
Steve Hollander

Steve Hollander

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.