The Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards showcased the pinnacle of rural athleticism, with Jack Jordan reclaiming the spotlight as the Ford Supreme New Zealand Rural Sportsperson and the PTS Logistics New Zealand Rural Sportsman of the Year for the second consecutive year.
More than 430 rural sports athletes, administrators, and esteemed food and fibre sector representatives attended the awards in which Jack Jordan’s dynamic presence once again shone. His remarkable victories in Timbersports, notably securing the Stihl World Champions Trophy 2023 and in the process he secured a world record, alongside other achievements throughout the year.
“Jack’s accomplishments are a true reflection of the values of dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship that are the bedrock of rural New Zealand,” commented Simon Rutherford, Managing Director of Ford Motor Company of New Zealand Limited. “The winners, each excelling in their respective categories, are a testament to the wide range of sporting disciplines and the depth of talent within the rural sports community.”
The awards ceremony, held at the Awapuni Racing Centre, was a momentous occasion that celebrated the exceptional contributions of individuals like Anne Paterson, who was honoured with the RX Plastics New Zealand Rural Sportswoman of the Year Award, and Clay Harris, who was hailed as the Fonterra Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year. Such recognition not only acknowledges their individual achievements but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for the entire rural sports community.
The gala dinner also recognised the unwavering commitment of individuals like Grant Calder, winner of the Future Post Rural Sportsperson with a Disability award, whose resilience and dedication in the face of adversity inspire us all.
An array of distinguished guests graced the evening’s festivities, including Olympic Swimmer Lewis Clareburt, Olympic Rower Joseph Sullivan, and All Blacks mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka ONZM.
The winners for each category are:
- Ford Supreme New Zealand Rural Sportsperson Award and the PTS Logistics New Zealand Rural Sportsman of the Year Award: Jack Jordan of Taumarunui – Timbersports.
- The RX Plastics New Zealand Rural Sportswoman of the Year Award: Anne Paterson, expat from Blackbutt, Queensland – Timbersports.
- Future Post Rural Sportsperson with a Disability: Grant Calder – Sheep Dog Trials.
- The Fonterra Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year Award: Clay Harris from Mokauiti in the King Country – Shearing Sports
- The Freebairn & Hehir Lawyers Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rural Sports Award:
- Nigel Armstrong of Christchurch – Harness Racing
- Bronwyn Troon of Taihape – Gumboot Throwing
- Erana Stevens-Tulip of Te Kuiti – Shearing
- Courtesy Ford Lifetime Legacy Award:
- Pat Hellier from Kamo but living in Papamoa – Highland Games
- Wayne Newdick from Taumarunui – Fencing
The Sir Brian Lochore Memorial Award for Outstanding Sportsperson from a Rural Background supported by Higgins Concrete: Zoe Hobbs, Ngāruahine, the first woman in Oceania to run a sub-11 seconds for the 100meters, was born and raised in Stratford and New Plymouth.
