The outstanding achievements of Kaipara’s athletes were recognised in front of a proud audience at the Silver Fern Farms Kaipara Sports Awards held in Maungaturoto on Saturday 2 November. Richard Westlake took home the Silver Fern Farms Sportsman of the Year and the Supreme Award recognising his impressive year’s achievements where he attained the Australian 4 10 National Championship for his shooting.

Maungaturoto’s Annmarie Holst’s sporting success in squash this year resulted in her winning both the ASB Junior Sportsperson and Silver Fern Farms Sportswoman of the year as well as receiving the ASB Youth code for squash.  

The guests were entertained by Para Cyclist Emma Foy who gave a rendition of her successes on the world stage of para cycling. Emma also won the new award “Achievement Beyond Our Region” for her recent success at the UCI Para Cycling Track World Championships where with her partner, won the 3km individual pursuit.

“It amazes me every year, the amazing talent that we have here in the Kaipara and the fantastic support for these awards” says Roxanne Kelly, Sport Northland’s Community Connector and event organiser.

The audience of over 160 were able to acknowledge the 21 ASB code and youth awards, two team and 11 volunteer awards that were presented. The Mangawhai Nobilo Pennants Golf Team received the Dargaville Veterinary Services  Team of the Year Award and the Kaipara Wolves Rugby Team won the Noel Radd Motors Junior Team Award. The Sport NZ Community Impact Award was awarded to Sportsville Dargaville with a special award to TGB Takiwira Gym Brothers for the fantastic work that has been done with youth at risk. Alaister Grant, Dot Gorrie and Chris Biddles were all recognised with a Service to Sport Award for their many years contributing to sport in Kaipara. The KDC Contribution to Club Sport Award was presented to Ross and Carlrine Gillespie, Peter Cave, Carmen Lawrence, Richard Anderson, Lynley Clements and Robyn Aloua.

The category, Tailored Legal Solutions Ltd Disabled Sportsperson of the Year, was awarded to Ming Ming Edgar for his achievement in Blind Cricket.  

Other award winners were Ross Gillespie for Fireco Official of the Year, Chris Biddles for the Conbrio Leadership Award and Mike Peeni for Kauri Coast Community Swimming Pool Coach of the Year.

“The achievements of people in the Kaipara continue on the local, national and international stage. This is the twelfth year Silver Fern Farms have been involved in supporting this event, which is fantastic” says Roxanne Kelly.

For a full list of winners see here