Secondary school sporting excellence recognised at annual awards

The 2026 Mitre 10 MEGA Whanganui Secondary Schools Sports Awards were held on Wednesday 28 October, celebrating the success of the region’s top youth sporting talent. 

The qualifying period for the 2026 awards was 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026, with nominations submitted by secondary schools across the Whanganui, Rangitīkei and Ruapehu regions. 

Ninety-three young athletes were recognised for their sporting achievements and leadership at the awards function, hosted this year by Whanganui Collegiate School. 

Schools from across the Whanganui region were represented in the nominations, with Whanganui High School students dominating on the night, taking out seven of the thirteen categories. 

The international categories showcased some of the region’s standout young athletes, with Isabel Ross (Rink Hockey) and Reiley Thomas (Athletics), both from Whanganui High School, claiming the Junior International Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year awards respectively. The Senior International Sportswoman of the Year title was shared by Alexis Toy (Kayaking) of Whanganui Girls’ College and Paige Conley (Swimming) of Whanganui High School, while Will Collins-Lowe (Muay Thai) of Rangitīkei College was named Senior International Sportsman of the Year. 

At the national level, Ziva Bunker (Swimming) of Whanganui Girls’ College was recognised as Junior National Sportswoman of the Year, while Ross Llaneta (Rowing) of Whanganui High School received the Junior National Sportsman of the Year award. Amber Auret (Equestrian) from Whanganui Girls’ College and Te Huatahi Bradley (Softball) of Cullinane College were awarded the Senior National Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year. 

The awards also celebrated those contributing to sport beyond competition. Whanganui High School’s Aidan Muir (Cricket) was named Coach of the Year, Mauri Crompton (Netball) of Whanganui Girls’ College received Official of the Year, and Cullinane College student Aiden Billing (Cross Country) was recognised as Disabled Sportsperson of the Year. 

Team success was also acknowledged, with the Whanganui High School Girls Under 16 Coxed Four (Rowing) earning Junior Team of the Year and the Whanganui High School Boys Under 17 Coxed Four (Rowing) awarded Senior Team of the Year.