Bond finalist in NZ Rural Sports Awards
Named in Rural Sportswoman of Year category
The Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Sports Awards 2024 finalists have been unveiled. The awards are to take place at the Awapuni Racing Centre, in Palmerston North, on Friday, March 8 during the weekend of the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games.
The event is a celebration of the indomitable spirit and excellence present within the rural sports community, Ford NZ managing director Simon Rutherford said.
He said the awards provided a platform to recognise the talent and dedication of athletes who embodied “the true essence of rural New Zealand”.
“These finalists represent the pinnacle
of excellence in their respective sports, embodying the values of dedi
cation, perseverance and sportsmanship that define rural New Zealand.”
The event will also feature the presentation of two additional awards.
These are the Future Post Rural Sportsperson with a Disability, and the Sir Brian Lochore Memorial Award for Outstanding Sportsperson from a Rural Background, supported by Higgins Concrete.
Moreover, judges will select one overall winner to receive the prestigious Ford Supreme New Zealand Rural Sportsperson Award.
NZ Rural Sports Awards 2024: Finalists
The PTS Logistics New Zealand Rural Sportsman of the Year Award
Bob Merhtens, 69 years old of Timaru — Ploughing
Jack Jordan, 27 years old of Taumarunui — Timbersports
Neil Evans, 65 years old of Omihi, ¯ North Canterbury — Sheepdog Trials
The RX Plastics New Zealand Rural Sportswoman of the Year Award
Samantha Ottley, 32 years old from Christchurch — Harness Racing
Sacha Bond, 30 years old from
Piopio in the King Country — Shearing Sports
Anne Patterson, 32 years old and an ex-pat from Blackbutt, Queensland — Timbersports
The Fonterra Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year Award
Clay Harris, 21 years old from Mokauiti in the King Country — Shearing Sports
Wilson House, 19 years old from Christchurch, formerly Manawatu¯ — Harness Racing
The Freebairn & Hehir Lawyers Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rural Sports Award
Nigel Armstrong of Christchurch — Harness Racing
Bronwyn Troon of Taihape — Gumboot Throwing
Erana Stevens-Tulip of Te Ku¯ iti — Shearing
Courtesy Ford Lifetime Legacy Award
Pat Hellier from Kamo, but living in Papamoa — Highland Games
Wayne Newdick from Taumarunui — Fencing