General Criteria for WSS sports Awards

1. The qualifying period for the 2024 awards is 1st October 2023 – 30th September 2024. 

2. Nominees must have been a student in years 9 to 13 at a Whanganui Regional Secondary School/alternative education setting (e.g., home schooled, correspondence) within the qualifying period.  

3. All nominations must be submitted by Whanganui Regional Secondary School. If a student attends alternative education, the nomination must be submitted and endorsed by the sporting body/club or RSO.  

4. The Whanganui region also includes the Rangitīkei and Ruapehu regions. 

5. Sportspeople can be nominated for more than one category,  

NOTE: Nominees who have represented New Zealand in their sport within the qualifying period must be nominated in the international category. 

6. Schools can make multiple nominations in each category. 

7. The awards are open to all student sportspeople including those with disabilities. 

8. In the event of any dispute over what activity constitutes a ‘sport’ the judgement will be based on Sport Whanganui & Sport New Zealand’s views on what is considered a sport. 

Awards include: 

  • WSS International & National Junior & Senior Sportswoman & Sportsman 
  • Junior & Senior Team of the Year 
  • WSS Coach of the Year. 
  • WSS Official of the Year. 
  • WSS Para Athlete of the Year. 
  • WSS Contribution to Leadership 

2024 award winners:

Junior National Sportswoman of the Year

  • Paige Conley, Whanganui High School, Swimming

Junior National Sportsman of the Year

  • Benjamin Tulloch, Cullinane College, Kayaking

Senior National Sportswoman of the Year

  • Franca Morrah, Whanganui Collegiate School, Hockey & Rowing

Senior National Sportsman of the Year

  • Tyrone Herewini Lama, Whanganui High School, Touch Rugby

Junior International Sportswoman of the Year

  • Karaitiana Horne, Ruapehu College, Motocross

Junior International Sportsman of the Year

  • Lucas Munn, Whanganui High School, Judo

Senior International Sportswoman of the Year

  • Pippa McKee, Whanganui High School, Artistic Skating

Senior International Sportsman of the Year

  • Jake Newton, Whanganui High School, Rowing

Official of the Year

  • Tamelia Blackburn, Whanganui High School, Basketball

Junior Team of the Year

  • Whanganui U16 Women K2, Kayaking

Senior Team of the Year

  • Whanganui High School Boys U18 Novice Coxed Quad, Rowing