Chris Lord Jnr has taken out the title of Sportsperson of the Year at Sport Waikato’s The Lines Company Waitomo District Sports Awards held on Monday 26th November at the Don Rowlands Centre in Te Kuiti. At just 22 years of age, Chris is already regarded as the country’s top open class axemen. He earned 5th and 8th placings at the world championship chopping competitions, and has competed in more than 26 national, region and district competitions, placing in the top three in more than 45 chopping and sawing events.
Te Kuiti Bowling Men’s Pairs picked up the Team of the Year award for defeating the best from all Waikato regional clubs, taking out the Champion of Champions pairs title.
Coach of the Year was won by Tui Anderson, for her all round passion in making a difference in people’s lives. From the high school A Reserve and Maniapoto rep year 7 and 8 netball teams primary school Rippa Rugby team who won in Te Kuiti, Taupo and then on to the regionals.
Sport Waikato’s Waitomo District Coordinator Dede Downs was very pleased with the high calibre of nominations, finalists and winners this year.
“We have some really amazing talent in the Waitomo district, and it’s evident that the determination from all our sportspeople is really paying off. And of course those sportspeople could not do what they do without the fantastic support of the many talented coaches, administrators, officials and supporters,” Downs said.
Eligible winners and judge’s recommendations are now considered for the Brian Perry Waikato Regional Sports Awards on Friday 1st February 2019 at Claudelands Conference and Event Centre, Hamilton.
2018 winners:
Service to Sport: William Ball, Peter Lange, Margaret McQuilkin, Sue & Michael Wagstaff, Margo & Brian Watson, Ruita (Tiny) Noble
Administrator of the Year: Dawn Morrow
Official of the Year: James Opie
Coach of the Year: Tui Anderson
Team of the Year: Te Kuiti Bowling Men’s Pairs Team
Club of the Year: North King Country Motorcycle Club
Secondary School Sportswoman of the Year: Samantha Corbett
Secondary School Sportsman of the Year: Sam Anderson
Secondary School Contribution to Sport: Paige Coffin-Bell
Emerging Talent: Isaac Pethybridge
Innovation in Sport & Recreation: Te Kuiti High School This is ME® Leadership Project
Sportsperson of the Year: Chris Lord Jnr
Summary of winners:
Administrator of the Year: Dawn Morrow
The New Zealand Shearing Championships Committee were, once again, able to run a highly efficient national event thanks to the scrupulous financial record-keeping and integrity of Dawn Morrow. Her role involved months of lead-up work before the big event, liaising with sponsors, event partners and local businesses. During the New Zealand Shears, her meticulous on-site cash management and constant finger on the pulse, ensured the post-event tasks and payment of a multitude of accounts were easily managed.
Team of the Year: Te Kuiti Bowling Men’s Pairs Team
The team of Peter Lange and Frank Hitchen reached the summit of pairs bowls by defeating the best from all Waikato regional clubs and taking out the Champion of Champions pairs title. To get there, the pair had fought hard to win their Te Kuiti club championship. They then worked hard to increase their mental discipline, high level of agility, strength and positive attitude as they knew the larger Waikato clubs would be tough opponents. The small club of Te Kuiti overcame all challenges to reign supreme.
Sportsperson of the Year: Chris Lord Jnr
Chris has earned a 5th and 8th placing in World championship chopping competitions and captained the North Island team in the Tri-series relay against South Island and New south Wales. He competed in more than 26 national, regional and district competition days and placed in the top 3 in more than 45 chopping and sawing events. He is the Stihl New Zealand Rookies Champion for 2018. Not only a top class national competitor, Chris is also a New Zealand registered official starter, referee and administrator of local and regional events, regularly spending weeks preparing the blocks and the competition site.
Secondary Student Contribution to Sport: Paige Coffin-Bell
Paige has proven to be very organised juggling Head girl duties at Piopio College with all aspects of sport and school events. A member of Waitomo District Youth Council, advising, organising and assisting with youth activities, coach of the College year 7 & 8 netball team, Captain of Piopio College A netball team, senior team member of the College’s successful volleyball team, vital member of the Ki-o-Rahi team.
Official of the Year: James Opie
As a first-year referee, James’ remarkable ability to control rugby matches saw him progress from Under 9s to Under 16 rep games then officiating at the New Zealand Under 19 tournament in Taupo. He has been a great ambassador for local sport, controlling senior basketball games in the Waitomo competition and also Miniball games at all levels.
Coach of the Year: Tui Anderson
Although not a coach of world-beaters, Tui makes a difference in whatever she does. She has taken on teams and challenges because she is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. From the High school A Reserve and Maniapoto rep year 7 and 8 netball teams and her ‘Positive Vibes’ senior women’s team, she is there for them. The Primary school Rippa rugby kids under novice coach Tui, won in Te Kuiti, won in Taupo then on to the Regionals.
Club of the Year: North King Country Motorcycle Club
The strength of this club is the strong, like-minded and can-do committee and supporting volunteers. Recording a massive growth in members in the past year, from 164 to over 250, has meant updated Health and safety practises and continuous improvements to the track and grounds. Members are drawn from around the King Country and beyond. Hosting the annual 2-day Waikato championships, now a regular fixture was a highlight this year.
Secondary Sportswoman of the Year: Samantha Corbett
Steeplechase, cross country, road races, relay teams, Sam held her own this year, not only in secondary school competitions but also in Open grade competitions taking top placings and coming to the attention of national selectors. National teams - Oceana Track and field championships in Tahiti, Secondary Schools Cross country team in Australia and a 4th placing in the Australian Under 23 2000metre steeplechase championships. Sam’s successes have qualified her for the 2019 World Cross Country championships in Denmark, in the Open grade, competing against the world’s best.
Secondary Sportsman of the Year: Sam Anderson
Sam has just completed his third year in the Waikato junior Squash squad. He represented Waikato in the ‘Central Challenge’ and the National junior championships. The Aria Men’s Squash champion, Sam is the highest graded men’s squash player in the King Country and winner of the King Country secondary school Badminton championships. He has won a number of Men’s Division One tournaments whilst competing with distinction in Taumarunui and Te Kuiti A interclub teams. Also a member of King Country Rugby Referees Association, touch judge for senior rugby and part of sideline management for the Jock Hobbs Memorial Under 19 rugby tournament.
Emerging Talent: Isaac Pethybridge
Isaac was one of the youngest members of the Bulklines Otorohanga Mens A football team that recorded an historic double, winning the Waikato A division and also the Waikato Knockout Cup. Playing with maturity beyond his years in centre of the defence, a highlight was his outstanding defence shown in the Waikato cup final when Melville threw everything they had at Otorohanga in the final 30 minutes. Isaac was awarded the coveted ‘Team member of the Year’ trophy.
Innovation in Sport & Recreation: Te Kuiti High School This is ME® Leadership Project
The aim - to engage female students in more movement, shifting emphasis away from sport as the only option, to include physical activity and recreational opportunities, encouraging them to think more broadly about breaking down barriers. The self-appointed Leadership Group comprised of 11 female students who undertook training and conducted research in order to design and deliver events to engage their peers. Activities included the first ever Te Kuiti High School Colour Festival, teamwork, having fun, doing things with friends……a huge success.
Local providers were also engaged by the group to better connect girls with opportunities - Self Defence/Martial Arts, Zumba sessions, Girls Rugby skills day and a water festival. There was significant student buy-in with over 150 girls taking part. A culture of participation developed whereby the students were excited and willingly gave things a go. Students felt listened to and actively took part in decision making processes. Public speaking and confidence have been developed in the Leadership Group whilst also thinking differently within the school about how to engage teenage girls in movement. There was valuable learning that will be carried through to full-school events.
Service to Sport: William Ball, Maniapoto Netball Centre
Throughout his busy life Bill Ball has played and supported sport in Te Kuiti and beyond. His contribution to softball, soccer and rugby in the good old days was legendary - playing, coaching, officiating, fundraising, organising... you name it he did it. When he finished playing his sport, Bill turned his hand to supporting the females in his family down at the netball centre. For the past 25 years Bill has been the Maniapoto Netball Centre’s maintenance man, painter, cook, shopkeeper, cleaner and general go-to handyman. In recent times he painted the squash club changing rooms and the entire netball pavilion inside and out, on his own. Life membership honours have been bestowed on Bill by the Te Kuiti Rugby Football Club and KCE Maniapoto Netball. Still going strong, Bill is in no hurry to ‘retire’ from his voluntary work.
Service to Sport: Peter Lange, New Zealand Shearing Championships
The New Zealand Shearing Championship committee are proud to recognise Peter’s many years of service to the shearing industry. A New Zealand woolhandling judge and examiner at International level, officiating at the world shearing championships in Wales and manager of the champion New Zealand team in 2013. Peter guided the New Zealand Shearing championships, as President for four years, through their 30th anniversary and the retirement of shearing great David Fagan. Alongside all of this he has enjoyed a proud bowling career, earning a gold star this year after winning five Waikato champion of champions titles in differing bowling disciplines. His contribution to Te Kuiti Bowling Club as committee member, selector and President spans many years as he remains an approachable and humble bowls champion. Peter has also been a valuable and proud member of Te Kuiti Lions Club for many years.
Service to Sport: Margaret McQuilkin, Te Kuiti Indoor Bowling Club
Margaret’s service to Te Kuiti sport covers more than 60 years. She was honoured with life membership of Maniapoto Netball as one of the main drivers of the building of the pavilion and courts as they are today. Whilst a young mum she ran the very successful tennis club, helping to coach young players, which being a sideline rugby mum and helper for over ten years to her four sons. Fundraising and helping recruit and support new members have always been Margaret’s forte, skills that came in handy when the Indoor Bowling club bought the old lolly factory and commenced setting it up as their home base. She has been the mainstay and go-to person for local indoor bowls and head fundraiser – her home-made jars of pickles, sauces and preserves have been legendary over the years, always eagerly bought by visitors to the club. As genial booking officer and clubhouse custodian, Margaret continues to keep watch over their wonderful Queen Street venue.
Service to Sport: Mike & Sue Wagstaff, Waitomo Ski Club
The Waitomo Ski lodge - 50 years from initiation to a fantastic 50 year reunion this year at the Chateau. Mike and Sue Wagstaff, with Tom Ofee started this awesome club. The Wagstaffs were the administrators and the co-drivers, managing the building project, the furnishing and then the maintenance over the years. They hosted many visiting groups and just recently looked after a group of Napier school children and parents there for the North Island Primary school championships. The couple were honoured with life memberships of the Waitomo Ski Club earlier this year. Their active years have also been filled with service to tramping as well as Mike’s many years playing hockey for Piopio and helping build the Piopio Aria hockey field, the home of many memorable annual tournaments.
Service to Sport: Brian Watson, Te Kuiti Bowling Club
Brian’s administration experience matches that of Margo as official at International Paraplegic games, All African State Games, Men’s World Bowls, World Blind Bowls and numerous national events. Brian has also served on Bowls South Africa umpires committee for five years and was a national football referee and hockey umpire. He coached a black mines football team and has many stories about these times and his own personal bodyguards. At present Brian is the only active male umpire at Te Kuiti Bowling Club – officiating at local and Bowls Waikato events. He is also the only practical tutor approved by Bowls New Zealand for training new umpire candidates. Brian has been an outdoor bowls club committee member for 12 years as well as committee member, treasurer and committed volunteer for local indoor bowls for over ten years.
Service to Sport: Margo Watson, Te Kuiti Bowling Club
Margo’s area of service spans over 40 years – umpiring and officiating in South Africa, International Paraplegic Games, All African States Games and 2005 World Blind Bowls. She was national secretary then president responsible for training and upgrading South African coaches, and coached the Malaysian men and women’s World Bowls squads in 2000. Since settling in Te Kuiti in 2005, Margo has been the only Law tutor approved by Bowls NZ for training new umpire candidates in the Waikato area. She has been on the committee for 12 years, match convenor, president, secretary, selector and caterer; Margo has now retired but can look back with pride on her service to her sport of outdoor bowls.
Service to Sport: Ruita (Tiny) Noble, Te Kawau Maro o Manipoto
An aunty and nana to all who know her, Tiny has been a motivator, activator, exterminator and generator to all her iwi. Always keen to see her people thriving, Aunty Tiny has drawn on the energy around her to achieve whaanau wellness and has commanded very little in return. A talented sportswoman in her younger years playing netball, softball, hockey and darts, she was a force to be reckoned with right through to retirement. A woman of small stature with a huge following, Aunty Tiny carries a mana that is well respected by her people. She has been an avid supporter and advisor of Te Kawau Maro o Maniapoto Hui a Iwi (Festival) since its inception, still offering advice to the organising committee. At the ripe age of 80+ she shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon, supporting her Maniapoto Marae Pact Trust Lifestyle group and enjoying the competition of Kaumatua Games around the country. Te Kupenga hao I te Iwi - always there for her whaanau and Iwi. He Maunga Whakaaro - always putting others first.