2026 Nelson Sport & Recreation Awards

6.00pm | Arrival Drinks
6.30pm | Guests Seated for the Awards Evening

The 2026 Nelson Sport + Recreation Awards celebrate the very best of sport and recreation across the Nelson and Tasman regions. This prestigious evening honours the athletes, teams, coaches, volunteers, and community champions whose achievements continue to inspire excellence both on and off the field.

The Rutherford Hotel provides the perfect setting for an evening honouring excellence, bringing together athletes, coaches, volunteers, and community leaders from across the Nelson Tasman region for an unforgettable evening of recognition, celebration, and connection.

From national representatives and world-class performers to grassroots champions making a lasting difference in their communities, the evening acknowledges the individuals and organisations shaping the future of sport and recreation in our region. Showcasing extraordinary accomplishments, remarkable dedication, and the powerful role sport plays in bringing communities together.

The pinnacle honour of the night is the coveted Nelson Sportsperson of the Year title, awarded to the standout recipient selected from the winners of the high-performance categories.

We are excited to welcome back MC Jason Pine for the 2026 Nelson Sport + Recreation Awards. A familiar voice and face in New Zealand sport, Piney brings a wealth of experience as a broadcaster, commentator, and host. Renowned for his passion for sport, quick wit, and engaging style, he will once again guide us through an evening celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of the Nelson Tasman sporting community.

Guests will enjoy a premium awards experience featuring a welcome reception, three-course dinner, inspiring stories, and the presentation of the region's most prestigious sporting accolades.

Awards presented on the evening include:

GoldenEdge Sportsman of the Year
Bowater Toyota Sportswoman of the Year
TSM Sports Team of the Year
Coman Construction Emerging Talent Award
First Focus Emerging Talent Award
New World Stoke Masters Athlete of the Year
Glen Thompson, Arizto Athlete with a Disability of the Year
Tasman Pine Forests Junior Sports Team of the Year
Rutherford Hotel Coach of the Year
Sport Tasman Community Impact Award
NZCT Diversity and Inclusion Award
Tony Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award

Join us for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and sporting excellence as we recognise the individuals and organisations whose achievements have elevated sport and recreation across the Nelson Tasman region.

Dress Code: Dress to celebrate. The Nelson Sport + Recreation Awards is our premier awards evening, and guests are encouraged to wear attire that reflects the occasion. Smart formal, whether that's a suit, cocktail dress, smart jacket, or your favourite dressy outfit, we invite you to enjoy the opportunity to mark the evening in style.

Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Contact the host of 2026 Nelson Sport + Recreation Awards