Hamish Kerr Wins Supreme Halberg Award at 63rd Ceremony

Hamish Kerr has been awarded New Zealand’s highest sporting honour, the Supreme Halberg Award, during the 63rd Halberg Awards held in Auckland. This recognition follows an exceptional year in which Kerr established himself as a dominant force in high jump, achieving milestones that no other New Zealand athlete has matched.

Kerr’s victory comes after a stellar performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he clinched the gold medal in September. This accomplishment completes his impressive collection of titles, making him the reigning world champion, Olympic champion from Paris 2024, and Diamond League champion for 2025. Such a feat is unprecedented in New Zealand high jump history.

Earlier in the evening, Kerr also received the Sportsman of the Year title, surpassing fellow nominees including athletics team-mate Geordie Beamish, freeski big air world champion Luca Harrington, footballer Chris Wood, and golfer Ryan Fox. His coach, James Sandilands, was honoured as Coach of the Year, marking his first win in this category after guiding Kerr through one of the most successful seasons of his career.

Recognition for Other Sporting Achievements

The Halberg Awards also celebrated other outstanding athletes. Snowboard star Zoi Sadowski-Synnott was named Sportswoman of the Year, achieving this accolade after winning her third snowboard slopestyle world title in 2025. She triumphed over a competitive field that included global champions in various sports such as cycling and rugby.

The Black Ferns Sevens earned the title of Team of the Year, showcasing their dominance in the 2024-25 HSBC SVNS World Series and the SVNS World Championship. Their achievement stood out among other finalists, including Auckland FC and world champion men’s rowing pair Ben Taylor and Oliver Welch.

Emerging talent was highlighted by Sam Ruthe, who made history in 2025 by becoming the youngest person ever to run a sub-four-minute mile, earning him the Emerging Talent award. Meanwhile, Paralympic sprint star Danielle Aitchison was recognised as the Para Athlete/Para Team of the Year for her remarkable performance at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships.

Honours and Legacy

In recognition of her contributions to global sport, Katie Sadleir received the Sport New Zealand Leadership Award. Her dedication to athlete well-being and equity has been influential in shaping the sporting landscape.

The ceremony also acknowledged Kat Mueller, who was awarded the Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award for her work in promoting inclusive sports and recreation opportunities in Aotearoa. Two illustrious figures, Dame Valerie Adams and Richie McCaw, were inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating their significant contributions and enduring impact on New Zealand sport.

The 63rd Halberg Awards showcased not only individual excellence but also the collective achievements of New Zealand athletes across various disciplines, reinforcing the nation’s rich sporting heritage.