The Lake Taupō District Sports Advisory Council is looking forward to celebrating another incredible year of sporting achievements across the Taupō District but first it needs some names.
With nominations now officially open for the Taupō District Sports Awards 2026, the council is encouraging all clubs to take some time to recognise those who have made a positive impact in their sport over the past year.
The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements, dedication, and contributions of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, teams and clubs from across the Taupō District.
Sports advisory council administrator Danielle Dunbar says a nomination can come from those playing, watching or coaching.
“Whether it's a member of a club, it's a family member, it's a schoolteacher, it’s a team member or anything, a nomination can come from anybody… we're looking for nominations for anybody that's doing great things within the sporting community.”
Entries will be assessed by a panel of three experienced judges who will shortlist and then determine winners in the different categories.
Dunbar says to give your nomination the best chance of recognition “the more information, the better.”
Then the judges will be operating with a bigger picture of what a prospective award winner has been achieving, she says.
The job of the judges is always hard. she says, particularly for those nominated in recognition of the countless hours they put in as club stalwarts.
“The club contributor category can always be really challenging, because we know there's so many people deserving of it. But there are so many people in the community that absolutely deserve recognition for everything that they do.”
The awards ceremony and function are always a great evening, Dunbar says.
“To go out, get your frock on and meet some other aspiring athletes in the community and just see how much talent there actually is out in the community. There's a lot of it.”
The awards will be held on Friday, October 30 at Wairakei Resort, Taupō, from 6.30pm with the doors open at 5.45pm.
This year’s sports awards sponsors include: Gary Ramsay Charitable Trust, B.F.A, David Reid Homes, DPA Charted Accountants, Empower Fitness Taupo, LakeFM, Lake Taupo Chiropractic, Taupo Pathways, Total Sport, Westerman and Zest Brokers and the Sports Advisory council.
To submit a nomination, complete the online form at: https://forms.gle/ECoWnUt6awgyfrfd8
The nomination link can also be found on the sports advisory council’s Facebook page (KiwiSport with Lake Taupō District Sports Advisory Council) and website (Lake Taupō District Sports Advisory council).
Nominations for the awards close: Friday, September 25.
