Kerr tops Halberg Awards

High jumper Hamish Kerr won the Supreme Halberg Award, New Zealand’s highest sporting honour, at the 63rd Halberg Awards ceremony in Auckland.

He also collected the Sportsman of the Year trophy after a standout year competing around the world. Kerr beat a strong group of finalists, including athlete Geordie Beamish, freeski champion Luca Harrington, footballer Chris Wood and golfer Ryan Fox.

The Halberg Awards celebrate the athletes, teams and leaders whose performances inspired the country over the past year. Snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott was named Sportswoman of the Year ahead of finalists from cycling, tennis and rugby. Paralympic sprinter Danielle Aitchison won Para Athlete of the Year for her performances at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.

The Black Ferns Sevens were crowned Team of the Year after their success across the 2024–25 world series and the world championship. Kerr’s coach, James Sandilands, was named Coach of the Year, his first time winning the award. Teenage runner Sam Ruthe received the Emerging Talent Award after becoming the youngest person to run a mile in under four minutes.

Sport administrator Katie Sadleir earned the Leadership Award for her work in global sport and athlete wellbeing, while Kat Mueller received the Legacy Award for championing inclusive sport for people with disabilities. The evening also brought back the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, with Dame Valerie Adams and Richie McCaw formally inducted. The event is the main fundraiser for the Halberg Foundation, which helps young New Zealanders with physical disabilities take part in sport and enjoy being active.