Get ready for an exhilarating showcase of rural sports excellence as the finalists for the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Sports Awards 2024 are officially announced.
This prestigious event, set to take place at the iconic Awapuni Racing Centre on Friday, March 8, 2024, during the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games Weekend, is gearing up to celebrate the outstanding talent and dedication within the rural sports community.
Simon Rutherford, Managing Director of Ford Motor Company of New Zealand Limited, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming awards.
"These finalists represent the pinnacle of excellence in their respective sports, embodying the values of dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship that define rural New Zealand," he said.
The finalists for each category are as follows:
PTS Logistics New Zealand Rural Sportsman of the Year Award:
Bob Merhtens, 69 years old of Timaru – Ploughing (centre)
Jack Jordan, 27 years old of Taumarunui – Timbersports (right)
Neil Evans, 65 years-old of Omihi, North Canterbury – Sheepdog Trials (left)
RX Plastics New Zealand Rural Sportswoman of the Year Award:
Samantha Ottley, 32 years old from Christchurch – Harness Racing (right)
Sacha Bond, 30 years old from Piopio in the King Country – Shearing Sports (centre)
Anne Patterson, 32 years-old expat from Blackbutt, Queensland – Timbersports (left)
Fonterra Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year Award:
Clay Harris, 21 years old from Mokauiti in the King Country – Shearing Sports (right)
Wilson House, 19 years old from Christchurch formerly Manawatū – Harness Racing (left)
Freebairn & Hehir Lawyers Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rural Sports Award:
Nigel Armstrong of Christchurch – Harness Racing (left)
Bronwyn Troon of Taihape – Gumboot Throwing (centre)
Erana Stevens-Tulip of Te Kuiti – Shearing (right)
Courtesy Ford Lifetime Legacy Award:
Pat Hellier from Kamo but living in Papamoa – Highland Games (left)
Wayne Newdick from Taumarunui – Fencing (right)
In addition to these categories, the awards ceremony will also feature the presentation of two additional awards: the Future Post Rural Sportsperson with a Disability and The Sir Brian Lochore Memorial Award for Outstanding Sportsperson from a Rural Background supported by Higgins Concrete. Furthermore, judges will select one overall winner to receive the prestigious Ford Supreme New Zealand Rural Sportsperson Award.
As the anticipation builds for this electrifying event, athletes, enthusiasts, and supporters from across the nation are expected to come together for a night to remember, celebrating the indomitable spirit and excellence within rural sports.
Stay tuned for updates and highlights from the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Sports Awards 2024, where the true essence of rural New Zealand will shine brightly on this grand stage of recognition and celebration.
