A new award will shine a light on rural mental health heroes at the 2026 Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards, for which nominations are now open.
Ford New Zealand’s Managing Director, Annaliese Atina said both Ford and the team at Courtesy Ford Manawatu are proud to recognise the hard work, dedication, and achievements of athletes and supporters of rural sports in New Zealand.
“The awards play a vital role in recognising and celebrating the incredible achievements of rural sportspeople,” said Annaliese. “They not only shine a spotlight on those who excel in their fields but also acknowledge the significant contributions of those working behind the scenes.”
The Hydroflow Contribution to Rural Mental Health Award has been created thanks to the passionate advocacy of NZ Rural Sports Awards judge and rural health advocate, Craig ‘Wiggy’ Wiggins, who said the award is a crucial step in acknowledging the unsung heroes of rural wellbeing.
Hydroflow Chief Executive Officer Kathryn Sixton said the new award recognises those who have made a positive difference to rural mental health.
“Across rural New Zealand, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of looking after our mental health. Checking in on our mates, speaking up, and reaching out for support when times get tough. In many small towns and farming districts, the local sports club is the heart of the community, a place where people come together, share good times, and look out for one another. Hydroflow is proud to shine a light on those who dedicate their lives to supporting mental health and strengthening their communities.”
Convenor of Judges, Paul Allison MNZM said nominations are open to rural sports organisations or clubs involved in wood-chopping, shearing, horse-riding, tree-climbing, shooting, rodeo, harness racing, highland games, equestrian, gumboot throwing, ploughing, fencing and more.
Nominations are open for:
- The PTS Logistics New Zealand Rural Sportsman of the Year Award
- The RX Plastics New Zealand Rural Sportswoman of the Year Award
- The Fonterra Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year Award
- The Permobil Rural Sportsperson with a Disability Award
- The Sports Inc Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rural Sports Award – recipients are announced on the night
- The Courtesy Ford Lifetime Legacy Award – recipients are announced on the night.
In addition, the judging panel will select finalists and announce winners for the following awards on the night of the award ceremony:
- The Sir Brian Lochore Memorial Award for Outstanding Sportsperson from a Rural Background with Higgins Concrete
- Hydroflow Contribution to Rural Mental Health Award
- The Ford Supreme New Zealand Rural Sportsperson Award.
Paul Allison is urging sports administrators and Regional Sports Organisations to submit nominations for the NZ Rural Sports Awards. Nominations close on Monday 12th January 2026. Finalists for the Men’s, Women’s and Youth categories will be announced in February 2026, all other recipients will be announced on the night of the awards.
Save the date: The Awards will be presented at a gala function at Awapuni Racecourse on Friday, 13 March 2026, during the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games Weekend in Palmerston North.
Nominations can be made here: Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards Nomination – Ford NZ Rural Sports Awards