Nominations for the 2026 Nelson Sport + Recreation Awards close on 7 October. Waimea Weekly sports reporter Stephen Stuart shares his views on this year’s standout performers but says the most important thing is that people take the time to nominate. Don’t leave it too late to send your nominations to Sport Tasman, to make sure your sporting superstars are in the running.
Rugby union has dominated the awards evening over the past two years with Black Ferns star Risi Pouri-Lane winning both the Bowater Toyota sportswoman award and then the supreme overall award, while Tasman Mako captains Finlay Christie and David Havili respectively took out the GoldenEdge sportsman honours.
Risi could well make it a three-peat for her outstanding offshore efforts, while young Commonwealth Games weightlifter Tia Nacagilevu has to be in the running following her fourth place in Glasgow.
If you really want to go local, consider the versatile Jess Drummond.
She scored a hattrick as Kahurangi won the women’s club rugby final, and then led her Jacks OPD netball side to take the Nelson premier netball final.
As one of her netball teammates I ran into last week said, Jess would be thoroughly deserving.
Again, I see it as international vs national for the men, surely a race between the new All Blacks record try scorer Will Jordan, and fellow outside back Kyren Taumoefolau, who equalled a 42-year-old NPC mark with his five five-pointers for the Tasman Mako against Counties Manukau.
While Will, also a qualified Christchurch lawyer, is a Tasman-contracted player, when did you last see him turn out for the Mako?
Awards are all about celebrating and “showing off” your international stars and the timing of the awards, on November 27, means the major winners are often away on international duty.
I would be stunned if versatile teenager Emelia Ainley isn’t in the mix for the emerging talent award this year, still can’t fathom why she didn’t last year.
Although she is now on scholarship at St Andrew’s College, the basketball, netball and volleyball player loves returning to Nelson whenever she can.
Most importantly, just make sure you nominate, as there were none officially received for the 2025 TSM team award.
It was duly given to Nelson Suburbs, and no argument there as the side reached the quarterfinals of the football showpiece, the Chatham Cup.
Suburbs went one better this season so, in my opinion, must lead the nominations this year.
Spare a thought for the judges, as it is a tough gig, and you will never please everyone.
While never getting to judge the Halberg Awards, I was probably perceived as not left field enough, deciding the national radio titles showed just how prickly the process can be.
One reporter took me to task when I didn’t vote for her friend’s entry.
I pointed out it was a bit tricky, as she had submitted a blank tape.
There should be excitement around these Nelson awards in the local sporting community.
Trust me, nothing beats the jubilation and justification of winning when it is unexpected.
