A bumper crop of NZ snow sports athletes, coaches and officials feature as finalists in the 2026 Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards.

More than 60 nominations were received across the 11 categories, with more than 20 different sporting codes represented, highlighting the depth and diversity of sport in Central Otago. From these, 40 finalists were selected by the judging panel.

The 2026 finalists include Olympians, world champions and emerging stars, as well as the often-unsung heroes in coaching, officiating and administration, across a wide range of sports – from snow sports, ice hockey, canoe slalom, cricket and downhill mountain biking to golf, netball, rodeo, rugby and swimming.

The winners will be announced at an awards night, organised by Sport Central and held at the Lake Wānaka Centre, on Thursday, May 7.

Sport Central Sport and Active Recreation Advisor Ben Hamilton says the event is an opportunity to celebrate the people behind Central Otago sport.

"These awards are about more than individual success – they bring our sporting community together to celebrate a fantastic year and recognise the people who make it all possible," Hamilton says.

"We’re proud to acknowledge the commitment and passion shown across our region, and the positive impact this has on our communities."

In addition to the judged categories, the Central Otago community is being invited to help decide the Sport Central Sporting Moment of the Year. Sport Central is calling for the public to share their favourite sporting moments from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 that deserve to be recognised.

Last year’s finalists celebrated everything from local club rugby titles and school sport records to world-first achievements and Olympic gold. Nominations will be shortlisted, with finalists then put to a public vote. Please email bhamilton@sportotago.co.nz with your suggestions before April 23.

Tickets to the awards night are on sale now and can be purchased via iTICKET: www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/may/central-otago-sports-awards

2026 Finalists across all codes:

Health 2000 Wanaka Sportswoman of the Year

• Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (Snowboard, Big Air and Slopestyle)

• Alice Robinson (Alpine Skiing – Super-G, Downhill and Giant Slalom)

• Olive Watherston (Rugby Sevens)

Central Lakes Construction Sportsman of the Year

• Finn Butcher (Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross)

• Finley Melville-Ives (Freeski, Halfpipe)

• Luca Harrington (Freeski, Slopestyle and Big Air)

• Ben Richards (Freeride Ski)

Gallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportswoman of the Year

• Hana Carnie (Swimming)

• Phoebe Laker (Athletics)

• Mischa Thomas (Freeski, Halfpipe)

• Michaela Bridgens (Freeski, Slopestyle and Big Air)

• Indy Deavoll (Downhill Mountain Biking)

Gallaway Cook Allan Junior Sportsman of the Year

• Raphael Anderson (Golf)

• Hugo Bogue (Cricket)

• Lucas Ball (Freeski, Slopestyle, Big Air and Halfpipe)

• Luke Harrold (Freeski, Halfpipe)

• Cooper Breen (Freeski, Halfpipe)

Jennian Homes Team of the Year

• Central Otago Women’s Hockey Team

• Upper Clutha Rams Rugby Team

• Central Otago Men’s Hockey Team

• Deanna McCarthy and Broc Mackie (Rodeo)

• Dunstan High School U17 Double Sculls – Bella Breen and Katharina Hoffmann

Otago Polytechnic Para Athlete or Para Team of the Year

• Corey Peters (Alpine Skiing)

• Adam Hall (Alpine Skiing)

Findex Official of the Year

• Adam Nagy (Ice Hockey)

• Sasha McLeod (Netball)

• Victoria Beattie (Freeski)

• Flick Wallace (Ski Racing)

Ray White Wanaka Junior Spirit of Central Otago

• Isla Reid (BMX)

• Liam Rasmussen (Ice Hockey)

• Charlise Wyatt (Athletics)

Wānaka Physiotherapy Senior Spirit of Central Otago

• Bailey Unahi (Para Sit Ski)

• Kirsten Wyatt (Athletics and Touch)

• Murray McMillan (Rodeo)

• Jane Stevens (Snow Sports)

Orchard Park Coach of the Year

• Daniel Bogue (Adaptive Alpine Skiing)

• Nils Coberger and Tim Cafe (Alpine Skiing)

• Cameron Frear (Ice Hockey)

• Lucy Brown (Alpine Skiing)

• Tom Willmott (Snowsports Park and Pipe)

Finalists of the Sportsman, Sportswoman, Junior Sportsman, Junior Sportswoman, Para Athlete/Team and Team of the Year categories are also eligible for the Forsyth Barr Supreme Award, which will be announced on the night.