Hurricane Dane gets top gong at awards
‘‘Coles became the first to take the top prize twice in the event's 12-year history, after winning it in 2013. ’’
Hurricanes captain Dane Coles was rewarded for his titlewinning season with the top gong at the Pak’nSave Kapiti Sportsperson of the Year Awards.
Coles was named sportsperson of the year, to go with the sportsman of the year award he took earlier on Tuesday night.
Coles became the first to take the top prize twice in the event’s 12-year history, after winning it in 2013.
The Paraparaumu-born hooker took on the Hurricanes captaincy in 2016, following the departure of 2015 skipper Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu and others following that year’s Rugby World Cup.
The Hurricanes took their first Super Rugby title under his leadership, beating the Lions 20-3 at Westpac Stadium in the final.
It was the perfect way to bounce back after the team fell one step short the previous season, beaten 21-14 by the Highlanders on home soil in the final.
Coles has also been named the 2016 Wellingtonian, Wellington Sportsman and NZ Maori player of the year, and was nominated for the world player and NZ rugby player of the year awards.
He spoke about how proud he was to be from the Kapiti Coast, and about his ongoing recovery from concussion-related symptoms which, along with a calf injury, have kept him out of action since mid-March.
Otaki-raised netballer Te Paea Selby-Rickit was named sportswoman of the year. The Southern Steel goal attack or goal shoot gained Silver Ferns selection last year, making her debut against England in August.
The New Zealand men’s team pursuit long track speed skating team, featuring Reyon Kay and Peter Michael from Kapiti, was named team of the year. After forming last year, the team claimed silver at the world championships in South Korea. The club of the year was the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club. Four of their 10 teams won Wellingtonwide competitions, including the premier men’s team competition, the Duncan Cup.
Coach of the year went to Jon Winter. The Raumati Raptors swimming club recently gained three new national champions and record qualification for national and regional events, in part due to the former Olympian’s influence.
Former All Black fullback Christian Cullen was named the region’s first Tall Poppy legend of sport. Born and raised in Paekakariki, Cullen sits second on the All Black tryscorers’ list.
Upon receiving his award Cullen spoke about how he had recently given away his last pair of boots, and about his transition from the playing field to the commentary box.
In total, 16 awards were given at the event at Southward Car Museum, in front of a crowd of about 150 people.
Kapiti Coast District Councillor John Howson, the event’s guest speaker, recounted his experiences in sports broadcasting and highlighted the changing nature of the industry, while Beach FM’s Nigel Hopkins MC’d the event.