Honouring rural sporting legends, nominations open for the Ford NZ Rural Sports Awards

Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards

The Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards are once again calling on rural sporting organisations and clubs to nominate those who have shaped, inspired and contributed to their sports.

The awards return following a landmark ceremony earlier this year, which saw shearing and fencing legend John Fagan MBE become the first inductee into the New Zealand Rural Sports Hall of Fame, alongside receiving the Courtesy Ford Lifetime Legacy Award. With a career spanning more than five decades, Fagan’s achievements extend beyond the competition arena, having made significant contributions as both an athlete and an administrator. Fagan’s induction marked a milestone for the awards, celebrating those whose dedication and achievements have shaped New Zealand’s rural sporting heritage.

Ford New Zealand Marketing Manager, Mathew Slade, says Ford and Courtesy Ford Manawatu are proud to recognise the achievements and contributions of rural sporting communities.

“John Fagan’s induction into the Hall of Fame is a wonderful example of what these awards are all about. Beyond his remarkable achievements, it’s the lasting impact he has had on his sport and future generations that makes his story so special,” says Mathew. “Ford is proud to celebrate New Zealand’s rural sporting legends, and we look forward to recognising more deserving individuals through this year’s nominations.”

With nominations now open, Convenor of Judges Paul Allison MNZM is calling on rural sporting organisations and clubs across the country to nominate their outstanding athletes and contributors. From woodchopping and shearing to horse riding, tree climbing, shooting, rodeo, harness racing, Highland Games, gumboot throwing, ploughing, fencing and more, every rural sport has individuals whose achievements and contributions deserve recognition.

“Sports administrators and regional sporting organisations know the people who make their sports thrive. Whether it’s an athlete achieving success on the world stage, a promising young competitor inspiring the next generation, or someone who has dedicated decades to their sport, we want to hear their stories,” says Allison.

Nominations are open for:

  • The PTS Logistics New Zealand Rural Sportsman of the Year Award
  • The RX Plastics New Zealand Rural Sportswoman of the Year Award
  • The Able Axcess Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year Award
  • The Permobil Rural Sportsperson with a Disability Award
  • The Sports Inc. Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rural Sports Award – recipients to be announced on the night
  • The Courtesy Ford Lifetime Legacy Award – recipients to be announced on the night.

In addition, the judging panel will select finalists and announce winners for the following awards on the night of the awards ceremony:

  • The Sir Brian Lochore Memorial Award for Outstanding Sportsperson from a Rural Background
  • The Hydroflow Contribution to Rural Mental Health Award
  • The Ford Supreme New Zealand Rural Sportsperson Award

Nominations close on Friday 15th January 2027. Finalists for the Men’s, Women’s and Youth categories will be announced in February 2027. All other recipients will be announced on the night of the awards.

Submit a nomination for the Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards

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Honouring rural sporting legends, nominations open for the Ford NZ Rural Sports Awards
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.