Paralympian, IPC Vice President and Paralympics New Zealand Board member Duane Kale ONZM received one of only two Lifetime Achievement Awards at the annual New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards, which were held in Auckland last night. Jennah Wootten (GM Partnerships & Communication, Sport NZ) presented Kale with his award and as she read his citation spoke of his incredible achievements, contributions to the Paralympic movement and New Zealand society.
Now in their 12th year, the awards celebrate excellence and leadership from across New Zealand’s broader play, active recreation and sport system.
“It’s vital that we celebrate the people and achievements that best support New Zealanders to be physically active,“ says Sport NZ Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin.
“The awards ceremony brings together leaders from across the system to recognise the top achievements and innovations, and to acknowledge leadership and lifetime achievement.“
Tonight’s awards were the first to recognise Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion – a new category added this year and won by New Zealand Cricket for their excellent work in promoting women in governance.
“It’s important that we and our partners evolve with society and that these awards remain relevant by continuing to reflect the most important work our partners are doing,“ says Peter Miskimmin.
“Ensuring more women and girls realise their potential in and through sport and active recreation is a key priority for all of us and the focus of a tremendous amount of collective action. Congratulations to all of the finalists in this inaugural award, and to New Zealand Cricket for their worthy success.“
The awards coincide with Sport NZ’s annual Connections Conference for leaders from the play, active recreation and sport system. This will conclude tomorrow.
Full list of 2019 Sport and Recreation Awards winners and achievement awards:
Commercial Partnership Award (Joint Winners)
Auckland Council and Downer; New Zealand Rugby and AIG
Community Impact Award
Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti – Waikirikiri Park Playground Project
Event Excellence Award
Waka Ama New Zealand – 2018 Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Waka Ama Sprint Nationals
Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion Award
New Zealand Cricket – A game for all New Zealanders, A game for life
Future Leaders Scholarship
Peter Caccioppoli – Auckland Council
C.K. Doig Leadership Award
Matt Reid – Hutt City Council
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Beverley Morris
Duane Kale ONZM
