Services to Sport

Leigh Keefe Papatoetoe Athletics Club

Edna Cullen Southern Districts Hockey Club 

Hans Anema Papatoetoe AFC

Tim Franks Papatoetoe United Football Club

Gary Troup Papatoetoe Cricket Club 

Masters Sportsperson of the Year

​​​​​​​Neil Ronaldson Papatoetoe Cricket Club

Team of the Year - Southern Districts Hockey Club Premier Men’s Team

Sportsman of the Year - Kim Kingstone

U13 Sportsman  

Luca Bland

Luca is a very impressive tennis and cricket player. He is a doubles semi-finalist at the Rod Laver Tournament in Queensland, Australia. He was selected for the tennis Under 14 Auckland team to play in Nationals last October but delayed due to Covid. In 2022 Luca is the under 14 New Plymouth Tournament tier 3 singles winner, Tennis Champ of Champs junior winner which is a tournament for all high schools in Auckland and also the Under 14 doubles winner Wellington Tier 2 tournament. 

He is a member of Auckland Grammar Premier tennis team and of the Auckland Grammar Colts cricket team and plays for both Papatoetoe Tennis Club and Cockle Bay Tennis club. He plays in the Junior Caro bowl team for Cockle Bay tennis,  and is the Under 15 Boys single club champ. He is captain for the Papatoetoe Cricket Under 13, summer series team – earning the highest score 141, overall number one MVP for batting.   

Finally he was awarded the Ross Robertson trophy for pursuit of Excellence at the Papatoetoe Cricket prizegiving in 2021/22 season. 

U15 Sportsman

Albert Balchin

Albert is a NZ Maori Under 14 & Under 15 representative Te Mahurehure Hokianga Storm Rep which were winners at the NZ Maori National Tournament in 2022.  He is also a NZ Warriors Academy representative 2021-2022 and part of the NZ Tri Colours Rooster Academy. 

Albert is in the Under 14 Auckland South Rugby League Rep in 2021 and Under 16 Counties Manukau Rugby League Rep in 2022. 

At club level he is the under 14 Papatoetoe Panthers Player of the year and the Under 15 Open Auckland Championship winner 2022 where he was the captain of the Papatoetoe Pumas team.

Junior Team

De La Salle Rugby League 1st XIII

De La Salle Rugby League Team are Grand Finalist for Auckland Schools competion and this year they did one better and saw De La Salle crowned at NZ Rugby League champions, convincingly defeating Rotorua Boys 42-6.

Well Done and Congratulations to the De La Salle Rugby League Team 

U18 Sportsman

Charles Gemmell

Charles is a member of the Blues under 18s rugby team and a member of the Auckland Rugby under 18’s A team 

He plays for the 1st XV team for his school Aorere College which he is the captain and also a member of the rugby 7’s team.  This year he won Player of the year and won the Mealamu Trophy for ‘Excellence in Rugby’. He also is part of the NZ Under 18 Boys touch team. Charles is an excellent leader in rugby on and off the field and well respected by his team members and the staff at Aorere College.

Steven Wren Trophy

Papatoetoe United Football Club

U16 Sportman of the year Isaac Sulu-Kiripati

Sponsored by Cosmopolitan Club Mangere

At 14 years old Isaac was captain of the U14 Toa Samoa Rugby League team which competed in the Queensland Australian Tour was undefeated in 2022. He has also been apart of the Sydney Roosters NZ Tri Colours Academy, and the U14 Warriors academy. Isaac has also had many achievements in athletics including placing 3rd in the 100 meters for the Junior Boys Auckland Athletics Championship and he is also heavy involved in rowing winning a bronze medal in the under 15 coxed quad skulls at the North Island club champs regatta.

Administrator of the year Sienna French

Sponsored by Mealamu Security

Sienna was selected by the federation of international gymnastics to read the Athletes Oath on behalf of all international athletes at the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Age Trampoline Championships. She is a qualified NZ Senior advanced judge and a Gymnastics NZ endorsed judge at all New Zealand National championships. Outside of judging she is also the head coach for Auckland secondary school, Diocesan for girls trampoline team. Sienna is a senior high-level athlete who voluntarily gives her time to judge, coach, encourage, and mentor athletes at all levels of the sport. As a non-mainstream sport, it takes people like Sienna who give their time freely to keep the sport of trampoline alive.

U19 Sportman of the year James Ford

Sponsored by Cosmopolitan Club Mangere

James is currently in unable to attend due to prior commitments .

James holds the NZ national champ title for both the 400m and 800m race at the NZ Secondary Schools Athletics competition in 2022. He managed to achieve this by winning the 400m in 49.11sec and the 800m in 1:52.15. A phenomenal effort that involved qualifying through heats, semifinals, and then racing finals for both events. He also ran the quickest 400m of the meet when he anchored the 4x400m relay team.

He has competed internationally and is the Oceania U18 800m Champion.

Junior Team of the Year

De La Salle Rugby League Team

Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson Mangere

The De La Salle Rugby League Team were the 2021 winners of the Auckland Secondary School Development grade title, beating James Cook High school with a score of 18-6. The 2021 result means the team will now get to advance to the Premiership grade in 2022 to play against the likes of St Paul’ and Kelston boys. This has been a massive achievement from the players and management team as 2021 was the first year in a long time that the school has had a Rugby League team.​​​​​​​

Under 16 Sportswoman of the Year

Ramsi Edwards

Ramsi is the New Zealand Junior Weightlifting Champion for New Zealand and has broken all of the previous records for Snatch and Clean & Jerk. Ramsi is also the Auckland Secondary school Weightlifting Champ, and holds the title of the North Island Junior Weightlifting Champion. Ramsi attends Aorere college where she was the first weightlifter from her school to compete in the in the NZSS Weightlifting competition.

Under 13 Sportsman of the Year

Kobe Parsons

Sponsored by McDonald's Otahuhu

In 2021,  Kobe competed in the NZ Colgate Games in Taranaki, taking Gold in Discus, 100m, 200m, 60m and long jump.

Kobe is the Auckland Champion in Discus, 100m, 60m, 200m and long jump. And also received silver in shot put and Pentathlon at Auckland Champs. Kobe was selected to represent Athletics East in Melbourne, and won the Auckland Athletics sportsman of the year for his age group.

Not only does Kobe excel in athletics, but he is also in the Auckland touch under 10 boys representative team that placed second at the Tamariki Touch Classic. Kobe is also involved in netball with Ellerslie Eagles year 5 and 6.

Junior Coach of the Year

Jay-C Fisiifetau

Supported by Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board

Jay-C is a student at Otahuhu College who also plays for his First 13 school rugby league team. In 2021, Jay-C took on the coaching role for  the Otahuhu Rugby League Under 7’s Leopards team. Although it has been Jay-C’s first year in a coaching role, the feedback from the parents has been extremely positive and they love his passion for the sport.

Under 19 Sportsman of the Year

James Harding

Sponsored by Mainfreight

​​James is an impressive runner, and one to watch in the future. James competed in the NZSS Athletics competition where he won Gold in the Senior Boys 800 metres, and Gold in the Senior Boys 4x400m relay with his Kings College teammates.

James is also the 800m and 1500m Auckland champion. In 2021, James broke the NZ Under 18 record for the 800m with a time of 1 minute and  48 seconds, taking the title from Kiwi Olympian and two-time medalist, Nick Willis.

U19 Sportsman of the Year

Bureta Finau 

Bureta was a member of the NZ U19 Volleyball squad, and was the Auckland Shot Put Champio

U16 Sportsman of the Year

Michael Fonotalaga

Michael Fonotalaga is currently at De La Salle College.  He represented Counties Manukau Rugby League U15s and was selected in the Auckland Rugby League U14 South. 

U13 Sportsman of the Year 

Liam Hakeagatoa

Liam currently attends De La Salle College.  He secured silver in Junior Male Black Belt Patterns in 2018 International Taekwon-do Federation World Cup; in Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic Tournament he secured Gold for Black Belt patterns, and sparring U45kg. In addition to Taekwon-do, he has also placed Gold in Junior U45kg WAKO Kickboxing, he has represented Tonga Tag20, Tonga League U12 open category, Captain of Marist U12R Rugby team, MVP at De La Salle College Junior Sports Awards and awarded the La Sallian Shield for Overall Excellence.

Junior Coach of the Year

Marcellin Lafaitele

Marcellin is known as an official, the contribution to the Marist and Sacred Heart, with Auckland Rugby Union for which he is being recognised.

Rising Star of the Year 

Anne Falelogi-Kirikiri

Anne was named the top U14 player at the Gold Coast Carnival representing NZ Hot Shot Ferns, was the Auckland Tonga Netball U13 Captain and subsequent player of the year; Counties Manukau U14 Touch  rep; and the Aotearoa Maori U16 Tag team.  She also has notable domestic achievements in Athletics and Rugby. 

Under 19 Sportsman of the YearSiave Togoiu: Southern Cross Campus

Siave played Rugby League for the Southern Cross Campus 1st XIII Rugby League Team.

This team won the New Zealand Secondary School Champions title last year with Siave a significant contributor to this title win.

Siave was selected for the New Zealand Secondary School Rugby League Team. Siave played for the Samoan Barbarians 7s Rugby Team, who competed in the Condors International 7s Rugby Tournament, which featured teams from around the world. Siave was named the Tournament’s Most Valuable Player. [Photo of Sth Cross Sports Co-ordinator accepting the Award on behalf of Siave

Under 16 Sportsman of the YearBlake Costley: Extreme Trampoline Club

In the sport of trampoline, representing his Club he is the North Island and South Island 11-14 year old Sub Junior Champion.

Representing his School he is the Auckland Champion in the Senior Elite Trampoline and placed 3rd in the New Zealand Secondary Senior Elite Trampoline.

Representing Auckland, Blake is the Overall New Zealand Sub Junior Champion, and the Overall New Zealand 13-14 year old Trampoline Champion.

Representing New Zealand, Blake won a Silver and two Bronze medals in the Indo Pacific Trampoline Championships competing against athletes from all around the world.

Under 13 Sportsman of the YearDe’ontae Perese: Nominated by the Samoan International Tag Federation

In the sport of Tag, De’ontae has achieved selection in the Counties Under 18 Team, the Samoan Under 18, and New Zealand Under 18 Tag Teams.

In the sport of Rugby League De’ontae was named in the NZ Maori Under 13 Tournament Team, and was selected as captain of the Auckland Central Under 13 Restricted Weight Team.

In the sport of Rugby he featured in the Auckland Rugby Walter Dickson Team.

2017 Senior Team of the YearSouthern Cross 1st XIII Boys Rugby League Team

The tournament was broadcast live on Sky TV, and this Team won the heart of the nation when they won the New Zealand Secondary School’s Rugby League Tournament.

Under 19 Sportsman of the Year Campbell Hulbert

Sponsored by NU Style

Campbell was selected for the New Zealand Junior Men’s Water Polo Team to compete in the Trans-Tasman Test series against Australia in July 2020, which was unfortunately canceled due to the Australian Covid outbreak. This same team was also meant to travel to Prague this year to play in the FINA World Men’s Junior Water Polo Championships but were unable to due to covid restrictions also. Fortunately, Campbell still managed to have a successful season by taking out the Sports Performer of the Year and Water Polo Player of the Year at the Sacred Heart College Sports Awards. He captained his school team who went on to win the Auckland Secondary Schools Premier Division Water Polo League and the Chris Hayward Invitation Tournament. Not only did Campbell shine at his school sports awards, he took out a hattrick receiving Most Promising and Most Valuable Player for his Under 18 Boys Team and Best Offensive Player for the Senior Men’s Team at the Mountfort Park Water Polo Club Prizegiving.  

Under 16 Sportsman of the Year William Passi

Supported by Grassroots Trust

William plays in the Manurewa High School Open Boys Basketball Team where they won the Counties Manukau Open Boys Competition and also later made finals in the Auckland Championship but were unable to play due to covid. He also represented Counties Manukau in 2020 in the Under 15 Boys Team where they placed 4th at Nationals and he was then selected for the Basketball New Zealand Under 15 Squad.  Not only that, he also received the Most Improved Player Award. William went to the U16 New Zealand Selection Camp in 2021 for the FIBA World Cup.

Under 13 Sportsman of the Year Justice Pua

Supported by Grassroots Trust

Justice competed in the Trans-Tasman Athletics Challenge where he received a silver medal in the 100m sprint, 200m sprint and Long Jump. He then went on to win a gold medal in the 4x100m relay sprint. Not only is Justice dynamite on the Athletics track, but he also represented New Zealand in the U12 Barbarians Touch Team where they were undefeated. The team was set to compete in Australia but due to covid restrictions the national tournament was relocated to Christchurch. Justice competed in the North Island Colgate Games where he won gold in the 100m sprint and silver medals in the 200m sprint and Long Jump. He also received multiple gold medals and a bronze medal at the Auckland Athletics Champs and Counties Athletics Champs. Justice also received the Sportsman award at Clendon Park School.  

Junior Team of the Year Manurewa Intermediate School Rugby Union XV's

Sponsored by Manurewa Business Association 

The Manurewa Intermediate Brothers Team were the XV’s Opens Winners of Counties Manukau Zone Day 2021, having previously won in 2019 and with 2020 being cancelled due to covid, the boys did go on to win the Auckland Invitational XV’s Intermediate Competition in 2020 beating Kelston by a nail biting 2 points in the grand final. Most of these boys play representative level rugby outside of school, in the Tahiti Oceania Tournament. They trained for 12 to 13 weeks beforehand, including their school holidays to prepare for this tournament.  

Junior Coach of the Year Gideon Howe

Supported by Manurewa Local Board

Gideon attends Alfriston College where he is a part of their Premier Basketball Team. He has taken his skills and knowledge to go on and coach the U15 Basketball Team there as well. Gideon also received the Sportsmanship Award at the Alfriston College Sports Awards. He also takes charge of leading school sports competitions. Not only does Gideon give a lot to his college, but he also volunteers and currently works at the Whanau Ora Community Clinic.  

U19 Sportsman of the Year Kacey Ngataki

Kacey, a member of Manukau outrigger canoe club represented and named champion in the Waka Ama National Junior 16 six man championships 2018, Waka Ama rudderless singles 2018, Waka Ama Sprint National Junior 16 long distance champion 2018 and placed 3rd in New Zealand Secondary Schools junior 16 singles 2018.​​​​​​​

U16 Sportsman of the Year 

Jayden was part of New Zealands’s Under 15 Developing Sox Softball team as well as Auckland’s Baseball Association senior little league Under 16 Baseball team. Jayden lead the Counties Manukau Under 15 boys’ Softball team into second place. In 2018, Jayden played for the Southern Pioneers Under 15 and Under 17 Softball teams, placing first for both and gaining golden glove for Counties colt Under 15 Baseball team. Jayden was also most valued player for James cook High Juniors Softball team.

U13 Sportsman of the Year

Justice Pua 

​​​​​​​Justice was selected to represent Auckland at the athletics Trans-Tasman in Australia in January 2018. Justice received 3 gold medals for 60m, 100m and 200m sprint. Justice also received bronze for long jump.

Junior Team of the Year

Manurewa Intermediate Girls Basketball

These girls were undefeated in 2018. This team is a true representation of success as Manurewa Intermediate came out to be the best in Auckland. The Manurewa Intermediate Girls Basketball team now becomes the first from Manurewa to win the Auckland Championship Tournament.​​​​​​​

Junior Coach of the Year

Thomas Bartlett

With the excellent connections Thomas made with whanau, the girls entrusted in their coach which lead to commitment to trainings during lunch breaks and after school. With Thomas’s many roles in the school, the time invested in his team was reflected in their achievements. The motivation he brought to the team was shown through his team who were all always present.

U13 Sportsman of the YearPaulino Decoda Lucky WalkerTakanini Primary School

​​​​​​​At 12 years old Paulino placed 1st place in the discus at the Counties Zone Athletics Competition with a throw of 26.27m. At the Central Counties Zone athletics, Paulino placed 1st in the discus and 2nd in the shotput. These results qualified him for the Auckland Championships. However this competition was cancelled due to the weather conditions. Paulino is also a quiet leader behind the scneces at Takanini Primary School. Paulino is always willing to help with the organisation and set up of equipment for school-wide sporting activities.

Manurewa Local Board

Junior Official/Administrator of the YearRowen CropperSouthern Districts Hockey Club

Rowen proves that age is no barrier in the hockey realm. At just 15 years old Rowen is a New Zealand Hockey appointed umpire. He officiated at the National U13 Hatch Tournament held in Auckland last year. Rowen was also an umpire at the Founders Cup Secondary School Tournament held in Whanganui in which he was selected to umpire the final. On more than once occasion, Rowen has been a spectator at a hockey game and has been asked to umpire as there has been a no show by someone. These matches have ranged from U13s, to representative Tri-Series and even seniors. Rowen is also a talented hockey player and was a finalist in our U16 Sportsman of the Year category too. 

Manurewa Local Board

U16 Sportswoman of the YearCecile SililotoSt Kentigern College

2017 has seen Cecile succeed in athletics, netball and touch. Cecile represented Samoa Athletics at the Oceania Athletics Championships and came away with a silver medal in U18 Long Jump. She also represented St Kentigern College in the 4x100m relay team that broke the 33 year old Auckland Secondary School athletics record. Cecile was also a member of the Counties Manukau U16 Touch Girls team who won gold at the Junior National Championships in 2017. In netball, Cecile was selected into the Auckland U15 Netball team who finished 4th at North Island Championships. Cecile is also a member of the St Kentigern Premier Netball team who placed 2nd at New Zealand Secondary Schools and 1st at both the Upper North Islands Secondary School Competition and the Auckland Secondary School Championships.​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Manurewa Local Board​​​​​​​​​​​

U19 Sportswoman of the YearKere MatuaManurewa Marlins Rugby League

At 18 years old Kere was named in the Kiwi Ferns World Cup Squad. As the youngest player selected into this squad she was on standby for the World Cup held last year in Australia. Kere is also a member of the New Zealand Maori Womens Rugby League team and played against the Kiwi Ferns in a curtain raiser to the Samoa vs Tonga game. She is also a member of the Manurewa Marlins Women Rugby League Team who is the current Auckland Rugby League Club Champions. Kere attended James Cook High School who was the runners up in the Auckland Secondary School Competition.

2017 Junior Coach of the YearTevyn Anitelea: Kings College and Holy Cross School

Tevyn is Head Coach of both the Year 7-8, and the Year 5-6 Holy Cross Waterpolo Teams. Both these teams placed 2nd in their respective Tournaments.

Tevyn also gifts his time to Coach the Kings College Junior C Waterpolo Team. Students in all his teams have commented on Tevyn’s firm but approachable coaching manners, and both schools are very grateful for the time he has committed to their teams.

2017 Under 19 Sportswoman of the YearJocephy Daniels – Rugby League

Jocephy is a member of the Manurewa Marlins Rugby League Club.

In 2016 Jocephy was selected for the Kiwi Ferns World Cup Squad, the Kiwi Ferns NRL 9s, the NZ Maori Rugby League Team, and the Aotearoa Maori Open Women’s Tag Team.

She is also a triple National Champion, winning titles with the Counties Manukau Womens Rugby League Team, the Ngati Umutahi Womens Rugby League Team and the South Auckland U21 Tag team. Jocephy was also awarded 2016 Player of the Year by both Auckland Rugby League, and her Manurewa Marlins Club.

2017 Under 16 Sportsman of the YearCairo Campbell – Touch Rugby

A talented Touch player Cairo is a member of the New Zealand U16 Touch team, the NZ U16 Touch Academy, and Aotearoa RULA Rugby League U16 team that toured

Australia. At regional level Cairo played in the title winning Counties Manukau U16 Touch Team, and was selected for the Counties Manukau U21 Mixed Touch Team and the U16 Boys Team.Cairo also plays for Otara Scorpions Rugby League U15 team and AMPT Open Men’s Touch Team.

2017 Under 13 Sportsman of the YearAdrian Mc Cord

Nominated by Manurewa Intermediate School, Adrian represented New Zealand in the Under 13 Tag 2017.He represented Counties Manukau Rugby in the Roller Mills Team, was awarded MVP for Counties Manukau, and was named in the Roller Mills Tournament Team following the competition.

A multi-talented young man described by his school as “the true definition of a talented athlete.”

Adrian won the 100m in the Counties Championship and was Runner Up in the Auckland Champion of Champions event. His school team won the Counties Rugby, Rugby League, Touch, and Ultra-Rip Tournaments in 2016, and Adrian was named MVP at all events. At Manurewa Intermediate “no team was complete without this young man.”

2017 Junior Team off the YearManurewa High School Paddle Boys

An outstanding season in 2016 saw the Team compete at the Alo Paopao Vailima Festival in Samoa winning the J19 boys 250m, 500m and 8km event. More success at the Waka Ama New Zealand and Auckland Secondary School Nationals saw the Team placed first in the J19Mixed W12 250m, 2nd in the J19 boys 500m and 3rd in the J19 Boys 250m at each of these highly competitive events.

Competing at the New Zealand Club Sprints the Team achieved two top ten finishes; 4th in the J19 W 12 500m and 7th place in the J19 Boys 1000m to cap off an amazing year for the team.

2017 Under 13 Sportswoman of the YearRunner Up: Mackenzie Millen - Athletics

Competing internationally in Trans-Tasman Athletics in 2016, Mackenzie won Gold in the 4x400m relay, bronze in the 800m, and missed out on the bronze medal by 5 points in the pentathlon - a multi-event comprising 100m, 800m, Long Jump, Shot Put and Discus. At the 2017 event in Sydney in January, Mackenzie again won the 4x400m relay and placed 3rd in the 400m.

A student of The Gardens School, she has competed successfully in Central Counties Zone, Counties Zone (where she won 6 Gold’s), and Auckland Champion of Champion events. She has represented her school in 9 sports in 2016. One of Mackenzie’s highlights for the year was breaking a 20 year old Papakura Athletic Club record for the Under 10 Girls 200m with a time of 28.75 seconds

Under 19 Sportsman of the Year Cohen Bailey

Sponsored by The Manurewa Local Board

Cohen has had an extremely successful softball career including representing the New Zealand Temperzone Black Sox Softball Team.  He will be travelling to Mexico for the U18 Mens Softball World Cup Squad in 2023. Cohen won the College Sport Auckland ‘young softball sportsperson of the year 2022. He was also a Counties Manukau Softball Representative U17 and U19. We wish Cohen the best for his travels this year and congratulate him on all of his sporting achievements so far.  

Under 16 Sportsman of the Year Jahvus Simmonds

Supported by The Manurewa Local Board

Jahvus played Rugby for the U14’s Rewa Elite Team, playing two years above his ages level. Despite spending time in recovery because of pigeon chest, Jahvus has not lost passion for the game and continues to play. In 2022, Jahvus played for and represented both his Maori and Cook Island sides while playing for the PYC U13’s Team.  He is also a member of the Finlayson Park School basketball team.

Under 13 Sportsman of the Year Houston Jessop

Supported by Te Mahia Village

At 12 years old, Houston has attended the Roosters Development Camp in 2022 and was a member of the Under 13’s Auckland Maori League Team. He also is captain for Marlins Gold  team, and a member of Dolphins Under 14’s Tag team. At Manurewa Intermediate brothers club he is the captain for the open & restricted rugby teams.  

Junior Team of the Year Clendon Park School - Panthers Netball Team

Sponsored by Countdown - Waiata Shores

The Clendon Park School Panthers attended the AIMS Games for Netball, placing 3rd out of 110 teams! Coaches Fou and Marie along with their daughter Ashleigh work hard to empower the team to achieve their personal best. This has led the team to place first in the Counties Championship and the Auckland Netball Centre Year 7 and 8 A grade.

Junior Coach of the Year Cian Byrne-Hansen

Supported by The Manurewa Local Board

Cian is a Rugby coach at Manurewa Intermediate where her team won the National Tag NZTFI in 2022 as well as the Counties Zone Rugby Union in 2022 beating Sir Edmund Hillary and Dilworth at the championship day. Cian goes the extra mile as a coach by spending her weekends supporting her school athletes at their club games.

U19 Sportsman of the Year

& Sporting Excellence Award

Seth Snjider 

Sponsored by Franklin Local Board

& MW Insurance

Seth has travelled to Melbourne to compete in the world powerlifting Oceana's Competition where he came away winning both the youth and open super heavyweight categories lifting a 276kg squat, 137kg bench lift and 295 deadlift. Seth has also competed in Wellington at the World Powerlifting NZ Nationals last august where he won both the open and youth categories.

Seth is set to head to Italy to compete in the World Powerlifting Championships.

U16 Sportsman of the Year

Caleb Dufty

Sponsored by Pak'n'Save Pukekohe

Caleb is a NZ representative for the Under 18 National Baseball team. At 15 he was one of 20 players selected for this team and competed at the WBSC Oceania Qualifiers held in Auckland in December 2022. Caleb’s team made history during pool play when they won against Australia (10-6) for the first time ever in this age group which saw them through to the Grand Final. Caleb is also a representative for the under 15 Auckland Tuatara Baseball Team and competed in the Down Under Winter Classic tournament held in the Gold Coast. Caleb has been awarded numerous titles and trophies including the Golden Glove Trophy,  CY Young Trophy, and the MVP Trophy for the under 16 Counties Baseball Team at the club prize giving for Karaka Sports Park in 2022.

U13 Sportsman of the Year

Ruben Van Tonder 

Sponsored by Gardens With Attitude

Ruben has competed in a variety of regional table tennis tournaments and has had countless triumphs. Ruben placed first in the Counties Manukau Table Tennis Association Under 11 Boys tournament as well as the under 11 mixed doubles. Ruben has also had several school and club achievements including winning the 2022 Hunua Table Tennis Club Competition in the under 11 boys’ category. Ruben plays for Clevedon Football which he won the Sportsmanship award and player of the year in 2022. He is also heavy involved in cricket, swimming and athletics.

U13 Sportswoman of the Year

Jamie-Lee Lofroth

Sponsored by McDonalds Pukekohe

At 11 years old Jamie-lee has competed in numerous marathons and cross-country competitions across New Zealand and Australia. Jamie-lee placed as 1st  woman Maraetai Half Marathon open 5km with a time of 21mins and 20 seconds. She has competed in the Gold Coast Marathon and the AIMS Games in 2022 and was successful in both sporting events.  She is also Pukekohe Intermediate School Cross Country and 1500 meters champ.

Administrator/Official of the Year

Bethany Mahoney

Sponsored by Franklin Law

Bethany was selected by Basketball Pacific to referee at the  Australian Junior Country Cup Basketball Nationals to take place in Australia. Bethany was one of 7 New Zealanders to be given this opportunity.

Bethany was the referee for the Basketball NZ AON Under 17 nationals along with her sister. Bethany has numerous achievements in refereeing basketball and has been selected to referee for the college sport Auckland mens and womens premier basketball. Bethany also has a history of coaching basketball at Tuakau College and has been selected into Franklin Junior Bulls Basketball Academy as a player.

Sporting Excellence Award & Under 19 Sportswoman of the Year

Leititia Vaka (Rugby)

Sponsored by Malcolm Wrigley Insurance

In 2021, Leititia attended the New Zealand Rugby Women’s development camp. Leititia has been a member of the Counties Manukau Women’s Power heat team for the past few years, and played for the Moana Pasifika Under 21’s team in 2020 who were the curtain raiser for the Moana Pasifika vs Maori All Blacks. In 2020 Leititia was also a member of the Chiefs Under 18 team and Leititia was selected for the World Schools sevens team. Leititia is the 2021 Head girl for Wesley College and captain of their girls first 15 rugby team. 

Under 19 Sportsman of the Year

Cohen Brady-Leathem (Rugby)

Sponsored by Malcolm Wrigley Insurance

Cohen was selected for the Chiefs under 18 squad in 2021 and was also selected for the Steelers Pre academy. Cohen is part of the Counties Manukau Rugby under 18 team, and the Pukekohe High School first 15 rugby team which he captains. Cohen is also the captain of the Pukekohe high school Open boys 7’s team and captain of the athletics team.

Under 13 Sportsman of the Year

Ariston Kounoudis (Squash)

Supported by Grassroots Trust

Ariston came runner up in the E grade of the New Zealand Junior Squash open in April 2021. He was also the winner of the Boys Division 3 grade at the Auckland Junior Open and Runner up in the team event at the Auckland Super Champs. Ariston won the Junior Franklin Champs, and was the D grade winner for the Franklin open. He was runner up in the D grade for the Franklin club champs, the Papakura open, and received the Montgomery cup at the Franklin event.

Under 13 Sportswoman of the Year

Paige Fletcher (Athletics)

Sponsored by McDonalds Pukekohe

At 11 years old, Paige was the number one ranked athlete in shotput and discus for her age in New Zealand. Paige attended the Colgate games where she received gold for the 100m sprint, 200m sprint, shotput and discus. Paige represented her school at the Franklin Intermediate Athletics Champs, and the Auckland Intermediate Athletics Champs where she set a new record for the Auckland Year 7 girls shotput. Paige has received numerous awards at her athletics club & school sports prizegiving and participates in a number of other sports. She also helps to coach younger athletes, and officiate when needed.

Junior Official of the Year 

Bethany Mahoney (Basketball)

Sponsored by The Village Bar & Kitchen

Selected by Basketball NZ to referee at the 2021 NZ National U15 champs, and the Boys U14 National Selection camp. In 2021, she also refereed for the U15 and U17 National Qualifiers Basketball tournament, Adults Basketball Special Olympics National Qualifier, the U15 & U13  Super city rep tournament, and was selected to refer at the Secondary Schools Northern cup tournament. She referees all levels for the Franklin Basketball association competitions and has been selected to referee finals for the U14 division. Bethany has her Basketball NZ Level 1 Theory Coaching Certificate and was an assistant coach for the Tuakau Bullets Basketball club Under 9 and Under 14 teams. Bethany also scores benches for basketball teams which involves electronic digital and manual score and time keeping, and Bethany can is a netball umpire too.

Junior Team of the Year

Franklin United Football Under 14 Girls Team

Sponsored by Franklin Law

The Franklin United Under 14 girls’ team are the only football team from South Auckland that are represented across Northern region football in the NRFL youth competition. They are the first Franklin youth team to be part of this competition and are competing at the highest youth level. This team has beat Auckland United, Western springs and Eastern suburbs who all have double the number of female players in their pool. Every player in this team is a junior accredited coach and were the driving force of forming the team with the determination to be part of a team that competes at the highest level.​​​​​​​

U19 Sportswoman of the Year

Brittany Cunningham Lee (Football)

Sponsored by Malcolm Wrigley Insurance

Member of the New Zealand Under 17 Football team that competed in the FIFA U17 Women’s Football World cup in 2018.  The team made New Zealand history by finishing in 3rd place and gaining a bronze medal. Britney has been selected for the Future Ferns development programme and national camp for the FIFA U20 World Cup. Britney is a member of the Auckland Football Federation National Womens team who placed third in the National Womens League. She was also the highest goal scorer for her Northern Region Football Leagues Premier Womens team in 2018 and was named Most Promising Player of the Year.

Rising Star Award

Harvey Humber (Gymnastics)

Sponsored by Shoe Science Pukekohe

Selected as first reserve for 2018 Commonwealth Games Men’s Gymnastics Team. Harvey has represented New Zealand at Cottbus World Cup where he placed 20th in the world on parallel bars and 23rd on rings. Harvey represented New Zealand in 2 world cups for 2019, and part of the Trans Tasman team who won gold. The New Zealand nationals saw Harvey receive one silver medal and place 4th overall as a male artistic gymnast. Harvey competed at Auckland Champs  and received 2 Gold medals, competed at Christchurch  Champs and received one silver medal, and 2 bronze medals. Harvey was awarded Top senior Male Gymnast and Gymnast of the Year for the Counties Manukau Gymnastics Club.

U16 Sportswoman of the Year

Elizabeth Murphy (Swimming)

Sponsored by Flower & Gift Shoppe

Selected to represent New Zealand at Australian State Teams Swimming Championships in 2018. Competed at New Zealand Age Group Championships where she received one Gold, one silver and 3 bronze medals. Top Counties Manukau Points scorer and 6th highest placed female in New Zealand. Attended NZ open swimming champs where she was selected to attend swimming NZ Development Camp. Won 11 gold and 2 silver medals at Counties Manukau Champs, and overall age group champ. Broke 7 out of 8 junior girls swimming records at school swimming sports and was junior girls swimming champion.

U13 Sportsman of the Year

Max Hei Hei (BMX)

Sponsored by Business Plus One Ltd

Max become the Sunset Coast BMX Club Champ for 7 year old boys category. Max also  won Silver in both the New Zealand North Island Champs and  New Zealand National Champs in the 7 year olds boys category.

Junior Coach of the Year

Paris Boyce-Bacon (Gymnastics)

Sponsored by Stirling Sports Pukekohe

Paris coaches 3 recreational gymnastics and tumbling classes. She has taken a number of athletes to multiple competitions around Auckland where some of the athletes received gold medal placings or an overall team placing. Paris gives up part of her Saturday to coach an early stage gymnastics class for 4 to 6 year olds. Paris was named the Counties Manukau gymnastics Club Most improved Coach Award for 2018 and has subsequently been given a competitive group to coach for 2019 gymnastics season.​​​​​​​

U13 Sportswoman of the Year Tayla NormanTuakau College

At 12 years old Tayla was selected into the New Zealand U16 Touch team to tour Australia at the end of this year. Tayla also represented Samoa in the U18 Rugby Sevens team at an International Secondary Schools Tournament last year. She is also a Counties Manukau U15 Girls Rugby representative in both the Fifteens and Sevens format. Tayla has also represented Counties Manukau in both the U12 and U16 touch teams. She was awarded Most Valuable Player for both teams. 

Junior Team of the YearPukekohe Intermediate School Orienteering Team

​​​​​​​Pukekohe Intermediate School continues to build on their successful orienteering programme. 2017 saw them again dubbed the Top Year 7 & 8 School at the National Secondary Schools Championships held in Masterton last year. The Year 7 and 8 boys' relay team claimed first and third place, and the year 7 and 8 girls' relay team claimed fourth place at the championship. Pukekohe Intermediate School was also the top boys and overall Year 7 & 8 School at the North Island Secondary School Orienteering Championships. They consistently placed in the top 3 across all relay, pairs and individual events.   

U16 Sportswoman of the YearParis Boyce-BaconRosehill College

Paris was selected to represent New Zealand for cheerleading at the All Star Games held in Las Vegas last year. In aerobics, Paris placed 2nd overall in both the solo and team format at the New Zealand National Aerobics Championships. She also placed 1st overall in the Auckland, Tauranga and Taranaki Aerobics Championships as well as the Auckland Secondary School Gymnastics Championships. Paris also excels in athletics where she placed 2nd in the 200m and long jump at the Counties Manukau Secondary School Championships. In 2017, Paris was Rosehill College’s Junior Sportsperson of the Year. Among all her achievements, Paris also has time to coach recreational gymnastics after school and coaches the Rosehill College Cheerleading team.

U19 Sportswoman of the YearKiana SwainPukekohe High School

​​​​​​​Kiana is a member of the New Zealand Swim Team that competed at the Australian Age Group Championships. Kiana came away with two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m butterfly. At the New Zealand Age Group Championships, Kiana won 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal. Adding to her medal tally Kiana won 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze in her age group races and 1 bronze medal in an open race. Kiana consistently finishes in the top three places at all New Zealand Secondary School Championships.

2017 Rising Star AwardKalvin Letoa: De La Salle College and Mangere Otahuhu Athletics Club

At De La Salle College Kalvin excelled in athletics and rugby. Kalvin represented De La Salle at the Counties, Auckland, and New Zealand Secondary School Athletics Championship, and in the sport of Rugby he was selected for the Auckland South Under 14 Team.Kalvin also represented De La Salle in Tag and Kilikiti, and is a sports committee representative.

In Club sport Kalvin represented the Mangere Otahuhu Athletics Club where he has Counties Athletic Gold medals in the Under 13 Boys 100m, 200m and 4x100m Relay, and Under 14 Field Relay, and Gold in the Auckland Athletics Field Relay Championships. Kalvin was the Club’s first ever athlete selected to represent Counties Manukau in athletics at the New Zealand Provincial Championships.

Through the work ethic Kalvin has demonstrated at the Club’s Sprint Team trainings, and the titles he has won for the Club, he has become a role model for the other athletes and has shined as an Ambassador for the Mangere Otahuhu Athletics Club.

2017 Junior Coach of the YearTevyn Anitelea: Kings College and Holy Cross School

Tevyn is Head Coach of both the Year 7-8, and the Year 5-6 Holy Cross Waterpolo Teams. Both these teams placed 2nd in their respective Tournaments.

Tevyn also gifts his time to Coach the Kings College Junior C Waterpolo Team. Students in all his teams have commented on Tevyn’s firm but approachable coaching manners, and both schools are very grateful for the time he has committed to their teams.

Pukekohe Physiotherapy Under 13 Sportsman of the Year.Maraekaiti justin Topa nepia - representing Glenbrook School

For his achievements in Touch, Rugby, Rugby League, Athletics and Swimming;

Maraekaiti made the Counties Manukau Under 12 Elite Touch team, placed 3rd at Touch Nationals and 2nd at Northern Tri-Series at Massey. Counties Maori Rugby League U11 Rep runners up A grade National Tournament Counties Rugby Rep, Winner of Glenbrook School Junior Athletics as Champion where he had heaps of success at the Franklin Schools Zone day and Waiuku School Group Day 2016 Junior Boys Swim Champion Representative at Zone Day

The Franklin Pool and Leisure which is managed by Belgravia Leisure Junior Team of the Year Award.Sunset Beach Hipsters Rowing Crew - representing Sunset Beach Surf Lifesaving Club

For their success in Surf Boat Series;

This Team represented Sunset Beach U19 Mens Nationals, Ohope placed 3rd Surf Boat Series, Represented Central Region U19 Mens and placing 2nd in the Surf Boat Series 2016/17 U19 mens Volunteer water safety personnel at Junior Triathlon competition and mentors for new surf club members

The Pak n’ Save Junior Coach of the Year Award:Maraekaiti Nepia - representing Glenbrook School

Coaches touch, rippa rugby, and football;

Maraekaiti is Coaching juniors and littlelies teams for rippa rugby, touch rugby and football

McDonalds Pukekohe Under 16 Sportsman of the YearZachary Dell - representing Pukekohe High School

For his achievements in swimming; 

Zachary competed at the NZSS Swimming Champs – won 6 Gold medals and 1 bronze: 1st 50m free, 1st 200m back, 1st 50m back, 1st 100m back, 3rd 50m fly, 4th 100m free, 4th 200m free, 5th 200m Ind Medley, 5th 50m Breast, 1st Mixed 16 and over free relay, 1st mixed 16 and over medley relay.

The Malcolm Wrigley Insurance Services Under 19 Sportswoman of the Year.                            Amelia Marlow - representing South Districts Hockey

For her success in Hockey; 

Amelia was chosen for the NZ Hockey Junior world cup squad Was in the Junior Black Sticks squad of 2016 and travelled to Australia where they played against Japan and Australia.She is Captain of the Auckland U18 womens hockey team – placed 1st at the nationals and most valuable player of that tournament and in the Auckland Hockey U21 womens team

Official of the Year - John Wright

John has refereed over 200 Premier Rugby Matches, is a current Counties Manukau Premier Referee, is a Touch NZ Premier Referee and is also a ITM AR and TMO. John is also a HC Touch coach and PE Teacher.

Disabeld Athlete of the Year - james Wilson

At a Trans-Tasman event in November 2016 James won gold, silver and bronze in each of his 3 swimming events. He also came 2nd in his weight class at an Upper South Island regional power lifting competition in July 2016. James has been selected to be a Global Messenger for Special Olympic New Zealand, an honour that is only bestowed on 8 elite athletes across the country. 

Junior Team of the Year – Howick Rhythmic Gymnastics Competitive Gymnasts (Sponsor NZ Home Loans)

Although Rhythmic Gymnasts compete as individuals, Howick Rhythmic Competitive Gymnasts encapsulate the meaning of Team in every way, the girls win together and lose together, they train and compete and travel as a team with success both regionally and nationally. They bring Rhythmic Gymnastics into the community through displays and all compete for their respective schools.

Junior Sportswoman of the Year – Jessica Manchester (Sponsor Les Mills Howick)

Jessica placed 1st in the under 19 New Zealand Nationals Cross Country Mountain Biking. She also
Won all four rounds of Australia National series at under 19 level. 

Rising Star of the Year – Female – Ana Tamanika

Ana was a member of the Bucklands Beach Tennis Caro Reserve Womens team that won the grade in the Tennis Auckland Summer Interclub competition, which then gained promotion to Caro Bowl.   Ana was a member of the Birthcare Bucklands Beach Caro Bowl team, this is the first time Bucklands Beach TC has had a Caro Bowl team in 10 years,  Ana was Bucklands Beach TC 2016 Ladies Singles club champion.

Member of the Auckland under 14 team that competed in the 2016 National Teams Event which came runners up. Runner Up in the under 14 Tennis NZ Junior Masters Finals selected to travel in the NZ U14 team to play at the Australian Nationals but unavailable due to injury.
Member of the St Kents girls team that came runners up in the National Secondary Schools Teams Finals, won the Junior Girls singles in the Auckland Secondary Schools, 2016 Champion of Champions Tennis Tournament. Member of the Junior Caro Bowl team that came runners up in the competition.
Ana is a NZ Tennis Targeted Athlete and travelled to Europe for 6 weeks training and competition on their renowned clay courts of Europe, where she competed in numerous tournaments and won three doubles titles and one single title while she was there.

Team of the Year – Elim Christian College Girls Snowboard Team (Sponsor Ray White)

The team is – Aleisha Bain, Charlotte Mimilo, Baylin Klein-Ovink & Charlotte Burchall

The team competed at K2 North Island Secondary School Snowboard Championships in September 2016. They were recognized as Number 1 ranked  Overall Girls Snowboard Team - by the Team achieving all the individual awards and placing’s within the competition. This means they are the best Girls snowboard college team in the North Island. Aleisha Bain placed 3rd in Slopestyle, 3rd place in Giant Slalom and 2nd Overall Senior Girl rider. Charlotte Mimilo placed 3rd in Boardercross and also placed top 10 finalist in Slope style. Baylin Klein Ovink  placed 2nd in Giant Slalom and also placed top 10 finalist in Slope style. Baylin was also voted best up and coming rider. For this she was awarded a place at a Mt  Ruapehu Snow sports Training programme. 

We are proud to announce the winners of this year’s 2018 Papakura Sports Awards.  

Thank you to all our generous sponsors, Judges and the Papakura Local Board for supporting this fantastic event!  

Papakura Local Board Sportsperson of the Year

Percy Maka - Papakura Athletic & Harrier Club

Percy Maka broke a 30 year old age-grade international record for discus by nearly ten centimetres. He now holds the current age-grade world record at a huge 48.73 metres. Over the past year he broke both the age-grade discus and shot put records at the Auckland and Counties Manukau Championships, after having set the records for the previous year in the younger grade. He represented Counties Manukau at the National Championships in Discus, Shot put, 4x100m Relay, 100m, and high jump. Percy picked up 1st place in discus and shot put at the interprovincial championships.

Bennett Fertilisers, Sportsman of the Year

Dylan Schmit - Icon Trampoline

Dylan Schmidt represented NZ at the International Federation of Gymnastics World Cup in October 2017 in Spain, managing to get Silver in the Mens senior trampoline event. Dylan then attended the World Championships a month later finishing 20th in the Senior Mens discipline, he had qualified 6th heading into semi finals. Unfortunately Dylan sustained a serious Knee injury requiring surgery ending his season early. 

Te Mahia Community Village, Junior Sportsman of the Year

Percy Maka - Papakura Athletic & Harrier Club

Printing.com, Sportswoman of the Year 

Melissa Bray (nee Timperley) - Paul M Taekwon Do Papakura Club

Melissa Bray represented NZ at the 2017 International world Taekwon-Do Championships in Ireland in two individual events as well as one team event. She received a Bronze medal at the world championships in the Senior Female 4th-6th Darn Patterns, and Silver in the Senior Female Team special technique. At the National Championships she received Gold in 4th Degree patterns, Gold middleweight sparring and gold female senior patterns. She also recieved silver senior female special technique, and silver senior female team sparring. She continues to excel on the world stage and is looked up to by many.

Papakura Business Assoc, Junior Sportswoman of the Year 

Lisa Putt - Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club

Lisa Putt is a very talented individual, who covers many different sports and codes. She was a member of the 2018 Under 18 Youth Touch World Cup Silver medallist team who competed in Kuala Lumpar a few months ago. At the NZ Senior Track and field championships, she gained 3rd  in Under 18 triple jump and 3rd in Long jump. She was a part of the u18 Counties Manukau team at the North Island Athletics Championships who placed second. At the Auckland Club Championships Lisa placed 1st in Under 18 Long Jump, 1st Under 18 Triple Jump, and 3rd in Under 18 100m sprints. Lisa was named in the training squad for the u17/18 New Zealand Girls 7s team, in order to develop players for the world 7s tournaments.

​​​​​​​CNS Takanini, Official of the Year

Janine Glover - Icon Trampoline

Janine Glover is an internationally recognised trampoline judge across all trampoline disciplines. She was selected as a senior judge for the federation of international gymnastics world championships in late 2017. She was selected to be on the superior jury as one of only two judges in the world to accompany 6  F I G technical committee members. She was selected as 1 of 8 trampoline judges for the 2018 Asian games in Jakarta. She also received a 2018 prime ministers scholarship for officials, being 1 of only 38 nationally to receive this honour.

Papakura Marae, Coach of the Year

James Kuegler - Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club

James Kuegler coaches many of the athletes you will see nominated for awards throughout the night. He Coaches for the Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club, coaching multiple national road race champions. He coached 4 Auckland Road race champions, two Auckland cross country champions. He coached 6 medalists at the 2018 Auckland Track and Field Championships. While being a coach to many high performing athletes, he is also very active with other organisations such as the ACG Strathallan School and John Walker find your field of dreams.

Papakura Marae, Masters Athlete of the Year

Melissa Brearley – Tipene - Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club

While busy having a large hand in the workings of the Papakura Athletic & Harrier Club, Melissa also is a highly successful athlete. She is the current NZ Masters women 45-49 Years old Javelin Champion, breaking the NZ Record. She set the new NZ record of 33.35m in March this year with her closest competitor throwing 24.64m. This is all while being the Club President and doing plenty more around the community in sport. 

Harcourts Papakura, Club of the Year

Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club       

Papakura Athletic & Harrier Club has had multiple NZ road race champions, NZ champions, NZ record holders, and world record holders throughout the year.  They have a huge amount of juniors who are performing at an extremely high level.  Outside their results, the Athletic Club does a huge amount of things to promote sport amongst the community.  They have restructured their Club to get the best out of committee members, old and new.  With other organisastions to provide fun days, Have-a-Go Days, and sports events to encourage local youth to be active in sport.  The Club continues to look for new areas in which they can help youth be active and healthy not just physically, but mentally through innovative ideas like introducing a mental performance coach.

Fit60, Team of the Year

Counties Manukau Taekwon-Do Team

The Counties Manukau Taekwon-Do Team have had a huge year, claiming the 2018 Oceania Championship. The team picked up a large number of medals across many different championships proving that Taekwon-Do  is not a minority sport in our area! Being made up of clubs including Paul M Papakura, Inifinity Papakura and Paul M Ardmore, the team achieves more than the sum of all parts! They excel on the regional, national and international stage. 

Papakura Leisure Centre, Junior Team of the Year

Counties Manukau Taekwon-Do Junior Female Black Belt team

Counties Manukau TKD Junior Female Black Belt competed in the Oceania Championships, picking up 1st in patterns, 1st in sparring, 1st specialty and 2nd in power. With the team picked up multiple regional medals. Not only does the team perform at a high level in competition, but they also play a larger role within the club. They help lower grades within the club, helping out with training of youth and kids. The leadership role the team has taken up within the club has had a great effect on the juniors and look forward to it continuing in the near future.

Dodd Civil Consultants, Service to Sport (for 15-20+ years service)

Raewyn Mills - Papakura Netball Centre

At a young age of 70, Raewyn finds the stamina and drive to volunteer her time week in and week out. Sadly this will be the last year that she will be President, and the Centre wanted to nominate Raewyn for the award, to say THANK YOU for your 40 years of service! Raewyn has been a member of the Papakura Netball Centre for 50 years and for 40 years of this time, has held an official role within the Papakura Netball Centre Executive or Umpires Committee. Raewyn’s passion for the game and desire to grow the game in her community is second to none. She has been instrumental in many futuristic endeavours of the Papakura Netball Centre over the years starting with initiating the Association’s first ever Umpiring “Whistlers” Club, which was an innovative and extremely successful club for beginner umpires/buddy system support group. Millsey as she is affectionately known to her peers at Papakura Netball Centre, has supported many Executive Committee members, Representatives, Coach, Players and Umpires over the years, by providing her experience and advice when it was needed.

Ron Neighbour- Rosehill College Rowing Team

Ron is an amazing individual, he gives up an average of 25+ Hours of his own time up per week over summer supporting Counties Manukau Rowing Club And Rosehill College Rowing Team. His grandchildren are no longer with the club, however Ron continues to still be heavily involved with both organisations. During the season he lives around the club, doing maintenance, tinkering with boats, getting club rooms ready and odd jobs. Then during the off season he recruits new rowers and works on strength and conditioning for members of the club. The club members love having Ron around.

Ranbir Pabla- Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club

Ranbir is a legend around the Papakura Athletic Club, having been involved with the club for a very long time, pretty much everyone knows who he is! He’s a quiet individual, who lets his actions show he means business! On a regular basis Ranbir is down at the club helping out with club nights and anywhere else he can be of use. He is also very involved with their harriers run event. 

Megan Lockwood – Papakura Netball Centre

Megan has been a member of Papakura Netball Centre in a voluntary capacity for over 25 years. For the last 15 years she has been involved as a voluntary Coach, Umpire and Club Administrator. Megan has held many volunteer administration and umpire development roles with the Papakura Netball Centre over the last decade. She has helped out the Netball Centre with the vice president role, umpire draw steward, umpire convenor and umpire coach assessor.  Without megan the Netball Centres umpire pathway just wouldn’t be the same.

Steve Pellow – Paul M Taekwon-Do Papakura

Steve is a 7th Dan Black Belt in Taekwon-do, and is the specialist instructor at Paul M Taekwon-Do. He’s been an instructor in the Counties Region since 1985. He’s been involved in the kiwisport programme since 2012, with taking on massive new projects inside the Papakura area. He teaches human values through his sessions with youth, such as having integrity, courtesy and self control.

Christeena Loomans – Papakura Netball Centre

Chris is a valuable asset to the Papakura Netball Centre, and widely respected. She has represented Papakura Netball centre in many different areas. She’s the first to put her hand up and nominate her help wherever she can. Chris helps design new initatives for the netball centre like the whistlers programme helping give new umpires practical experience.  She has recently turned to coaching as well, as if she wasn’t busy enough helping out. She was awarded a Netball NZ Service Award after 28 years of service.

Robert Ward – Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club.

Rob coaches athletes from ages 10 through to 18 in athletics, with many medalling, and some even breaking Auckland championship records. He has been a part of the athletic club for the last 28 years, and still continues to. He is instrumental in setting up the harrier club for club nights and championship events. He is a selector for the relay teams at the club, as well as many other things. Rob helped organise and facilitate the Run,Jump, Throw events throughout the year often having over 200 students attending, and other events with over 500 Kids. He’s one of the handy men around the club often repairing gear, and organising and sorting it all out prior to club nights and events.

Papakura Local Board Volunteer Recognition Award

Michael Ackroyd - Papakura Swimming Club

In his 3^rd term as club president, Michael continues to put in a large amount of work to improve the Club. Throughout the year he gave up his time to be an official and stroke judge whenever he could. Along with plenty of other work that goes into the day to day running of the club. He has been an instrumental part of the organisation over the past year, and the Swimming Club is lucky to have him.

Gavin McClennan - Papakura Athletic Club

Gavin volunteered as a paramedic at the Counties and Auckland championships in 2017-18. On Wednesday nights he volunteers as a paramedic at the Club as well as other primary and secondary school events. He is a new extended committee member making himself available whenever and wherever he can.

Gavin Healey. Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club

Gavin helped create a website of the local youth and master whom are new to the committee. He is a large driver in the togetherness and whanau feel at the club. He prioritises bringing the community and club together for more than just athletics.

Rex Allen. Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club

Rex has been at the club over 20 years, being in charge of opening and closing of the club during events throughout the year. He had plenty to do with the Cross Country Events, and athletic season over the past year. After Rex sets up he often stuck around to help out with the running of events wherever he could, becoming a life member.

Fawna Dissmeyer. Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club

Fawna has been at the club for about 8 years, always moving around trying to find ways she can help out the club. Throughout the year she controlled many of the registrations, picking relay teams, and the very meticulous task of allocating orders and age patch numbers. During the year she volunteered at several events, having a lot to do with specifically cross country events.

Walter Richards. Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club

Walter has been at the club for nearly 8 years, volunteering at a large number of club events throughout the 2017-18 season. In 2017-18 he often looked after the shotput or discus stations. He represented the club as a volunteer official at championship events throughout the year.

Eric Sila. Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club

Eric has gone above and beyond bringing parents together for club nights, with an extremely forward focused and positive attitude towards the club.  He was an integral part of set up, and facilitation at events throughout the year. While Eric was on holiday he was busy nominating other club members for awards.

​​​​​​​Ray White Drury Rising Star Male of the Year

Luke Clements at the age of 14 has shown that he has a great athletic talent and a real future in athletic events. Luke claimed gold at the Auckland Road Race championships. Luke Placed first in the Boys U15 1500m at the North Island Secondary schools championships Road race champs, and 2nd in junior boys 3000m. At the Auckland Secondary Schools Championships Luke finished 1st in 2000m open steeplechase, and 2nd in junior boys triple jump. Luke often finds him self in the top 3, often 1st place in a vast range of disciplines and distances.

Trophies Plus Engraving Rising Star Female of the Year

Taryn Richmond at the age of 15 bounces between competing with those her own age in rowing, and the Under 18 category, all as a novice rower. In the College Sport head of harbour regatta she placed 2nd in division 1 in the Girls Under 18 Novice Double Sculls and 1st in the Girls U15 Double Sculls. At the Maadi Cup National Secondary Schools Rowing championship she placed first in the B final of the Girls Under 18 Novice Double Sculls. At the Karapiro Memorial Regatta, in the Womens Novice Double Sculls she placed 2nd, and at the club regatta placed 3rd in the A Final.

Papakura Marae, Masters Athlete of the Year

Melissa Brearley – Tipene - Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club

While busy having a large hand in the workings of the Papakura Athletic & Harrier Club, Melissa also is a highly successful athlete. She is the current NZ Masters women 45-49 Years old Javelin Champion, breaking the NZ Record. She set the new NZ record of 33.35m in March this year with her closest competitor throwing 24.64m. This is all while being the Club President and doing plenty more around the community in sport. 

Fit60, Team of the Year

Counties Manukau Taekwon-Do Team

The Counties Manukau Taekwon-Do Team have had a huge year, claiming the 2018 Oceania Championship. The team picked up a large number of medals across many different championships proving that Taekwon-Do  is not a minority sport in our area! Being made up of clubs including Paul M Papakura, Inifinity Papakura and Paul M Ardmore, the team achieves more than the sum of all parts! They excel on the regional, national and international stage. 

Congratulations to all the Finalists and Winners for making the Awards Dinner on Sunday 29 October a huge success. It was definately an occasion worthy of the impressive line up of sports people who represented Papakura (and New Zealand) on regional, national, or world stages during 2016-17.

Tyla Nathan-Wong (NZ Rugby Womens Sevens Player and Olympian) was our guest speaker who impressed the audience with her amazing career achievements to date, and just twenty three years of age.  A very articulate young woman, Tyler is an inspiration to other young athletes, and definately proved that size does not matter, even when competing in a physical game like rugby.

It was a night for the Papakura sporting community to come together and celebrate their own people's success, and there was plenty of cheering and support as finalists and winners were announced.

Counties Manukau Sport and the Papakura Local Board are very proud to announce the Papakura Sports Awards Winners for 2017.

Takanini Village 2017 Sportsman of the Year - James Kuegler, Athletics

James represented New Zealand at the Oceania Athletics Association Trail Running Championships in New Caledonia in May 2017.  His success at National events this year include a 3rd place at the Kinloch Off-Road Challenge; 1st place in the Great Barrier Wharf to Wharf Half Marathon; 1st place in the West Coaster Marathon at Bethells Beach Auckland; 1st place in the Tussock Traverse 13km National Park, and 2nd place in the Miners Trail - Motutapu race, Arrowtown.  James not only runs but also leads from the front, coaching the young and old in their passion for running and building the passion for sports in the Papakura and Counties area.  

Reflecticon 2017 Sportswoman of the Year Award - Melissa Bray, Taekwondo

Melissa has been representing New Zealand on the International stage for ITF Taekwondo-Do for eleven years.  Her achievements in 2017 include the World Cup in Hungary where she won two Bronze and a Silver medal in 4th-6th Dan Pattern; being invited by Mighty Fist to compete at a tournament of elite athletes (USA, Ireland and NZ) to make up the Mighty Fist Team in Argentina, and being selected as part of the National Team to compete at the World Champs in Ireland in October this year. Melissa is graded to 4th Dan Black Belt and has won many Gold medals in National events.  

Fit60 2017 Team of the Year - Papakura City Football Women's Conference Team

Starting pre-season training in January, this Team have trained tirelessly ever since with the aim of winning their League, and then gaining promotion to the Premier League which is the top competition in the Auckland, Northland, and Waikato regions.  They went through the competition losing only one game and going unbeaten in the second round to win the League with a game in hand.  They played the winner of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty League in a home and away series to win promotion to the Premier League.  It has been a remarkable achievement for the squad this year.  

Papakura Marae 2017 Masters of the Year Award - Eddie Sutherland, Triathlon

Nominated by Papakura Swimming Club, Eddie competes in the Masters 45-49 age group and has had a successful 2017.  As well as winning the National Sprint Duathlon, he won the Gold Medal in the Sprint Triathlon at the World Masters Games, which were held in Auckland earlier this year in April.  Eddie was inducted into the NZ Ironman Hall of Fame after completing his 10th NZ Ironman in 2017.  

​​​​​​​Service to Sports Award - Honouring at least 15 years of service to a sport
Sponsored by Dodd Civil Consultants

Norm Hyland, Therese Dixon, Helen Lynch, Dr. Sandy Bansal, Ian Milne, Bryan Allan Reynolds, Lenore Lawrence, Janine Glover, Stacey Te Moananui, Roger Sharp

2016 Sportsman of the Year - Rory Marshall-Barton

​​​​​​​2016 Sportswoman of the Year - Atawhai Tupaea 

2016 Team of the Year - Papakura Sea Eagles Rugby League Club ​​​​​​​

2016 Official of the Year - Jessica Beard  ​​​​​​​

2016 Coach of the Year Award - Saua Leaupepetele

​​​​​​​2016 Disabled Athlete of the Year - Samuel Percy Muir-James 

​​​​​​​2016 Masters of the Year - Emile (Amos) Ale

​​​​​​​2016 Junior Sportsman of the Year - Jason Matthews  

2016 Junior Sportswoman of the Year - Niketa Wells

2016 Junior Team of the Year - U15 Counties Manukau Badminton

​​​​​​​2016 Supreme Award - Jessica Beard

2016 Rising star, Male - Rafe Couillault

​​​​​​​2016 Rising Star, Female - Courtney Ngapera Church    ​​​​​​​