Hamish Kerr has taken out New Zealand's highest sporting honour, winning the Supreme Halberg Award at tonight's 63rd Halberg Awards ceremony in Auckland.
The high jump star, who also claimed the Sportsman of the Year title, capped a dominant year on the world stage with the prestigious prize.
Kerr bet out a strong field of finalists to win the Sportsman of the Year title, including fellow athlete Geordie Beamish, freeski big air world champion Luca Harrington, footballer Chris Wood and golfer Ryan Fox
The annual awards celebrate excellence across New Zealand sport and recognise athletes, teams and leaders for performances and moments that inspired the nation.
Snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott was named Sportswoman of the Year, triumphing in a competitive category which included cyclists Sammie Maxwell and Niamh Fisher-Black, tennis player Erin Routliffe and rugby star Jorja Miller.
Paralympic sprinter Danielle Aitchison was awarded Para Athlete of the Year after her standout performances at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.
Fellow para-athlete finalists included Lisa Adams, track cyclists Nicole Murray and Devon Briggs and swimmer Cameron Leslie.
The Black Ferns Sevens were crowned Team of the Year following their success across the 2024–25 world series and the world championship.
They beat out an impressive lineup which included Auckland FC, world champion men’s rowing pair Ben Taylor and Oliver Welch, the men’s team pursuit track cycling squad of Nick Kergozou, Tom Sexton, Keegan Hornblow and Marshall Erwood, and the New Zealand Kiwis and the New Zealand Black Sox.
Kerr's athletics coach James Sandilands was named Coach of the Year, marking his first win in the category.
Teenage middle-distance runner Sam Ruthe received the Emerging Talent Award after becoming the youngest person to run a sub four-minute mile.
Other finalists included Black Ferns' Braxton Sorenson-McGee, golfer Cooper Moore, BMX rider Lily Greenough, freeskier Finley Melville Ives and swimmer and surf-lifesaver Zoe Pedersen.
Sport administrator Katie Sadleir received the Leadership Award for her contribution to global sport and athlete wellbeing.
Kat Mueller was presented with the Legacy Award for her work championing inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities.
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The evening also marked the return of the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, with Dame Valerie Adams and Richie McCaw formally inducted in recognition of their outstanding careers and lasting impact on New Zealand sport.
The Halberg Awards are the primary fundraiser for the Halberg Foundation which supports young New Zealanders with physical disabilities to access and enjoy sport.
Full list of winners – 63rd ISPS HANDA Halberg Awards
• Supreme Halberg Award: Hamish Kerr (athletics – field)
• Sportswoman of the Year: Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (snow sports – snowboarding)
• Sportsman of the Year: Hamish Kerr (athletics – field)
• Para Athlete of the Year: Danielle Aitchison (Para athletics – track)
• Team of the Year: Black Ferns Sevens (rugby sevens)
• Coach of the Year: James Sandilands (athletics – field)
• Emerging Talent: Sam Ruthe (athletics – track)
• Sport New Zealand Leadership Award: Katie Sadleir
• Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award: Kat Mueller
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