Nominations open for Hawke's Bay Sport and Recreation Awards after hiatus

The Forsyth Barr Hawke’s Bay Sport and Recreation Awards are officially returning this year, providing a vital platform to celebrate athletic excellence across the region. As reported by the Hawke’s Bay Today, the awards are being revived after a three-year hiatus, with the gala ceremony scheduled to take place at the Napier War Memorial Centre on 3 December 2026. Nominations for the 12 categories will officially open on 30 August, covering performances achieved between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026. Sport Hawke’s Bay chief executive Ryan Hambleton has issued a strong call for the community to get involved, urging local clubs, schools, whānau, and organisations to ensure their athletes' stories are told. Hambleton noted that the support of naming sponsor Forsyth Barr and the wider business community is essential for recognizing a sector that delivers significant social value to the region. The awards have a long history in the bay, dating back to 1966. While the future of the event had been in doubt following cancellations in 2024 and 2025 due to low nomination numbers, the 2026 revival aims to restore the tradition. The event will feature prestigious titles including Senior and Junior Sportsperson of the Year, Team of the Year, and the Supreme Sports Award. Several high-profile athletes are expected to be in contention following the qualifying period. Rowing champion Emma Twigg, who previously secured the Supreme award a record four times, is a potential contender after winning the Women’s Solo title at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Turkey last November. Other notable names mentioned as possible hopes include world champion shearer Rowland Smith, Black Caps cricketer Jayden Lennox, and national stock car champion Caleb Ireland. Finalists will be announced on 30 October following a panel review of the nominations, which close on 4 October.