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, they are:

Papakura Sports Awards 2017 Supreme Athlete of the Year Award - Sky Notter, Mounted Games

Sky competes in Mounted Games, a sport not widely known throughout NZ.  In 2016 she competed in the World Pairs Championship in Denmark, and the World Individual Championship in Wales.  The New Zealand Mounted Games hold three National titles each year. Individuals, Pairs, and Teams, and Sky won all three titles in the Open Class. 

Other National Achievements include the Under 17's Class, the NZ Under 17 Pairs Reserve Champion, and NZ Under 17 Team Reserve Champion at Horse of Year in March 2017. 

Sky was selected in March for the upcoming Under 17 World Team Championship, being held in Auckland this November.  

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.  

Papakura Marae 2017 Coach of the Year Award - Richard Kee, Athletics

Richard is an outstanding Coach and role model to the Club and the community.  He was Assistant Coach of the New Zealand Sprint Team at the Australian National Track and Field Championships, and also Coach and Selector of the Auckland U18 men's 4x100m Relay Team.  He is currently coaching many athletes to success, including Cecile Sililoto, who at just 14 years old represented Samoa at Oceania Champs in Fiji in July.   Katrina Anderson-Potts, with third place finishes in the Women's 800m at both Classic and Capital Classic International.  Melissa Brearley-Tipene, who won the Gold medal at the World Masters Woman's Javelin.  David Van Den Bogaard, first in the Auckland Champs Men's Triple Jump, and third in the NZ Champs Men's Triple Jump.  Kamal Patwalia, Auckland Club U20 Men's Long Jump Champ.    

Papakura Mini Van Rentals 2017 Official of the Year Award - Rachel McAleer, Athletics

Nominated by Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club, Rachel is the highest ranked Women's Track Official in New Zealand. During the qualifying period, she officiated at the NZ Masters Games held in Auckland in April.  She also officiated at the Porritt Classics Games, a series of New Zealand Track and Field events offering athletes the opportunity to compete in well organised, high quality meetings around the country.  She is frequently requested to officiate at other athletics meetings around the country.  

Archibald & Associates 2017 Club of the Year Award - Paul M Taekwon-do

The Club has over 70 active members and caters for all ages from 5 to the over 65's and continues to identify and nurture talented individuals for international competition.  The Club had four members who all won medals at last year's World Cup in Hungary.  They have six competitors entered in the World Champs in Ireland this month.  Paul M has won the National Taekwondo-do Title at the National Competition for the past three years. This year's tally was 18 Gold's, 19 Silvers and 18 Bronze Medals. These medals are across all four disciplines and were won across all ages groups from mini-kids through to Vets.  The Club has set the benchmark for TKD in New Zealand and continues to grow and develop the sport in our region.  

Papakura Local Board 2017 Volunteer of the Year - Clare Elson, Papakura City Football Club

For a Club that operates on volunteers, Clare is the driving force.  Her roles in 2017 have included Club Secretary, Team Manager for three Senior Teams, Club Liaison for AFF, and Admin and Finance Sub Committee where Clare completes and submits all the Club's funding applications.  She works closely with the Groundsman to ensure all teams and other community groups have fields for training and tournaments.  Clare also took on the role of Project Co-ordinator for the Community Driver Mentoring programme recruiting driver mentors and learner drivers.  There are many other roles that Clare does around the club.  She is a huge part of how successful the Club has become and they would be lost without her.  

Papakura Business Association 2017 Junior Sportswoman of the Year Award - Sky Notter Mounted Games

Sky competes in Mounted Games, a sport not widely known throughout NZ.  In 2016 she competed in the World Pairs Championship Denmark, and the World Individual Championship in Wales.  The New Zealand Mounted Games hold three National titles each year. Individuals, Pairs, and Teams.  Sky won all three titles in the Open Class.  Other National Achievements include the Under 17's Class, the NZ Under 17 Pairs Reserve Champion, and NZ Under 17 Team Reserve Champion at Horse of Year in March 2017.  Sky was selected in March for the upcoming Under 17 World Team Championship being held in Auckland this November.  

M & M Trophy 2017 Junior Sportsman of the Year Award - Kamal Patwalia, Athletics

Kamal competed for New Zealand at the Australia Champs in the 4 x 100m relay.  The NZ Team finished second and set a new New Zealand record.  At the New Zealand Secondary School Championships, Kamal finished third in the Senior Boys 100m, and fourth in the Long Jump.  Competing at the New Zealand Club Champs, he won Silver in the Under 20 men's 100m Final.  At the Auckland Secondary School championships, Kamal finished third in the 100m, and also broke the Senior Boys Long Jump record (however unfortunately due to wind assistance, the record was not able to be upheld).  This talented athlete has been selected for the 2020 Tokyo Relay New Zealand Development squad.  

Papakura Leisure Centre 2017 Junior Team of the Year - The Counties Manukau Under 15 Basketball Team

The Team is made up of players who compete weekly for their schools in a competition at Bruce Pulman Park.  Competing at a Regional Qualifying Tournament, the team finished in fifth place.  They went on to finish in fifth equal place Nationals Basketball tournament in July.  From the tournament, Levi Johnson was selected for the National Under 15 Event Team.

The Bunker Strength and Conditioning 2017 Rising Star Female of the Year Award - Scarlet Billingham, Counties Manukau Rowing Club

Scarlet has only been rowing for just over one year. She joined the Counties Manukau Rowing Club in January 2016 and most of the girls she is up against have been rowing for two or more years.  Scarlet's determination, work ethic, and hard work have got her some amazing results in such a short period of time.  Scarlet was selected for the Auckland Rowing (RPC) Light Blue Training Squad and competed in Queensland in September 2017 as part of the Championship School Rowing Regatta, winning Silver in the Championship Schoolgirls Eight.  Scarlet and her boats have also placed in the finals of the Madi Cup, Heads of Harbour, North Island Secondary Schools Championships, and various other regattas during the season.  

Ray White Sue Douglas Group 2017 Rising Star Male of the Year Award - Dylan Watters, Papakura Rugby Club

Dylan has played fullback for the Papakura Rugby Club's Premier side for two years. In 2017, he was awarded the Club Player of the Year. Dylan was selected to play fullback in the Counties Manukau Under 19 Team that won consecutive Micheal Jones Cups in 2016-17, at the National Jock Hobbs Memorial Tournament.  He played both years, playing in all games.  

Dodd Civil Consultants Service to Sport Award

For the individuals who have honoured 15 - 20 years plus of service to a club, school or association of any sport

Rex Allen - Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club

Rex has been the backbone of the Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club for well over 15 years.  He has been our President, Vice president, Building facilitator, Cross country and Harriers organiser, Treasurer, and almost every delegate of our Club you could think of.  His selfless nature and the endless hours he has given to the Club make him one in a million. We thank Rex for having time for the young ones, and also a heart for bigger families wanting to join our club.  A valuable member and friend to all in the Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club.  

Julian Castle - Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club

Julian has been a member of Papakura Athletics for 20 plus years.   In this time Julian has coached, officiated and also been a committee member. Has been part of the blood and bones of our Club. As with most volunteers, officiating is hardly ever paid, a t-shirt or lunch the most he received. Travelling throughout New Zealand officiating and coaching at National and International levels. Julian has always conducted himself in a professional manner, and always with a smile. The Club is lucky to have Julian, whose wealth of knowledge makes him a key member of our team.  

Christine Clelland - Papakura Netball Centre

Chris has been involved with Papakura Netball Centre for over 25 years.  Holding many voluntary roles including Executive Committee, Umpires Committee, Umpire Coach and Assessor, Whistlers Umpire Programme Facilitator, and a Representative Umpire.  A tireless volunteer, without whom Papakura Netball Centre would simply not be able to provide the high level of netball opportunities that we presently undertake for the extended Papakura netball community.  

Bernadette Loomans - Papakura Netball Centre

Bernie has been a volunteer for Papakura Netball Centre for over 15 years.  She is currently a member of the Committee, holding the Rep Coordinator portfolio.  Bernie is also a member of the Papakura Netball Centre Umpires Committee and currently holds qualification to coach and assess umpires, assisting the Umpires Committee throughout the season. Bernie is a tireless volunteer, who supports the netball opportunities in the extended Papakura netball community.  

Leigh Mac McCallion - Papakura Rugby Football Club

Nominated for the Service to Sport Award by Papakura Rugby Football Club, Mac has been involved with local and regional rugby for 40 years.  As well as leading Papakura to numerous Club finals and championship wins in the 70s and 80s, he represented Counties with over 45 appearances 1976-80. He was NZ Maori Rugby Rep (Captain) from 1978-80, coached Counties to two NPC finals, and was Assistant Coach to Graham Henry when the Blues won back-to-back Super 12 titles in1996-97.  Mac was an inspirational leader and still continues to mentor young Club players.  

Walter Morunga - Papakura Sea Eagles Rugby League Club

Walter has been a member of the Papakura Sea Eagles Club for over 25 years, playing as a junior and continuing on with managing, coaching, as well a period of five years as a referee. Currently a member of the Senior Committee and Match Manager, Walter has been our Club Captain for the last 14 years.  His duties in regards to the Club Captaincy are performed to a high standard at all times. Walter is a valued and well respected member of our club- totally dependable, organised and committed.  

Geoff Simmonds - Papakura Netball Club

Geoff has been involved at Papakura Netball Centre for over 20 years, holding many positions including Rep Coach, Rep Selector, and Coach Development Coordinator.  He is a current member of the voluntary Papakura Netball Centre Committee where he has been Judiciary Committee Convenor, Fair Play Awards Co-ordinator, and Monthly Awards Committee Co-ordinator.  Geoff is a tireless volunteer, who also assists various schools and clubs with their netball development. Papakura Netball Centre is able to provide the high level of netball opportunities for the netball community because of volunteers like Geoff.  

Robert Ward - Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club

Robert Ward has been a member of Papakura and Athletic Harriers for the last 24 years, participating every year as an athlete and also as a Coach.  He has been very involved in the coaching programme at Papakura as well as with the Counties Manukau Inter Provincial Athletics Teams who travel around NZ every year competing against other regions.   The Club are honoured to have his level of expertise and passion on board.  Without his efforts, many young athletes would probably have gone to other sports or missed out on opportunities.    

Written by Counties Manukau Sport
30 October 2017