The Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards celebrated the very best of rural athleticism, with world champion tree climber Steph Dryfhout taking centre stage as the Ford Supreme New Zealand Rural Sportsperson.
Steph’s outstanding achievements also earned her the RX Plastics New Zealand Rural Sportswoman of the Year title last night, making it a night for the Feilding expat to remember!
More than 400 athletes, administrators, and key figures from the food and fibre sector gathered to honour the country’s rural sporting elite, where Dryfhout’s dominance in her field was a standout moment.
“Steph’s victory in last year’s ISA International Tree Climbing Championship resulted from four years of relentless determination to claim the world title,” said Convenor of Judges Paul Allison MNZM.
A Night of Rural Sporting Excellence
Alongside Dryfhout, Timbersports powerhouse Jack Jordan claimed the PTS Logistics New Zealand Rural Sportsman of the Year title, while harness racing rising star Carter Dalgety was named Fonterra Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year.
The gala dinner also celebrated individuals whose dedication extends beyond competition. Para-alpine skier Adam Hall, winner of the Permobil Rural Sportsperson with a Disability Award, was recognised for his unwavering resilience and inspirational journey in sport.
An array of distinguished guests graced the evening’s festivities, including former All Black Coach Sir Wayne Smith; former Blackcap Captain Tim Southee; Sailor and Olympic Bronze Medallist Erica Dawson and Trampoline Olympic Bronze Medallist Dylan Schmidt.
The winners for each category are:
- Ford Supreme New Zealand Rural Sportsperson Award and the RX Plastics New Zealand Rural Sportswoman of the Year Award: Steph Dryfhout, expat of Feilding – Tree Climbing.
- PTS Logistics New Zealand Rural Sportsman of the Year Award: Jack Jordan of Taumarunui – Timbersports.
- The Fonterra Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year Award: Carter Dalgety from West Melton – Harness Racing
- Permobil Rural Sportsperson with a Disability: Adam Hall – Para Alpine Skier.
- The TAB Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rural Sports Award:
- Lyn Baigent – Shearing
- Ken & Karen Breckon – Harness Racing
- Courtesy Ford Lifetime Legacy Award:
- Jack Davis – Sheepdog Trialist
- Sir Mervyn Tutuiri Church – Rodeo
The recipients of the following categories are:
- Alan Wallace – Ploughing
- The Sir Brian Lochore Memorial Award for Outstanding Sportsperson from a Rural Background supported by Higgins Concrete: Cricket legend, Tim Southee.
