New Zealand Rural Sports Awards
The finalists for the 2024 Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards have been announced.
There are five categories this year, Rural Sportsman of the Year, Rural Sportswoman of the Year, Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rural Sports Award and the Lifetime Legacy Award.
The awards are to take place in Palmerston North on Friday, during the weekend of the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games.
Before that gala event takes place, you can get to know the finalists a little better below.
SPORTSWOMAN of the YEAR SAMANTHA OTTLEY Harness Racing
In 2023, Samantha Ottley made history in New Zealand’s harness racing scene.
In June last year, the Christchurch 32-year-old piloted Takemybreathaway to victory at Addington, marking her 678th career triumph and surpassing Nicky Chilcott as the country’s most successful female driver.
Later that year, she cemented her legacy by becoming the first New Zealand woman to reach 700 winners when Holly Highlander triumphed at Methven.
With notable victories like the group one win with Rocker Band at the 2016 Harness Jewels, Ottley excels on the track and serves as a role model off it, known for her work ethic and tactical acumen.
Week after week, she competes against the nation’s top drivers and horses, establishing herself as one of the best in the country.
Trainers seek her out for her ability to read races and optimise horse performance, and she generously mentors young drivers.
Ottley boasts an impressive record of 713 victories as of January 17, 2024.
She consistently ranks in the top 10 for wins each season and actively supports causes like Team Teal, raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer.
Ottley aspires to capture more group one victories and aims to reach the milestone of 1000 career wins to become the first woman to achieve this feat.
While Ottley’s life primarily revolves around horses, she cherishes spending time with friends and family outside of racing.
SACHA BOND Shearing
Piopio’s Sacha Bond, 30, has rewritten the record books in shearing sports, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with.
On February 4, she set the world women’s eight-hour strong wool lamb record with an impressive tally of 601, followed by another milestone on December 19 with the world women’s nine-hour strong wool lamb record of 720.
These achievements showcase her exceptional skill and set new standards within the sport.
With over 40 competitions under her belt, Bond has consistently excelled in the shearing arena, overcoming challenges and claiming victories, including the New Zealand Spring Shears women’s championship final in October 2022.
With a shearing career that started as an 18-year-old, Bond has achieved milestones such as shearing 100 Merino lambs in a day and 300 Merino ewes in 2018.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Bond also broke the world women’s nine-hour ewe record on February 9, 2024.
Additionally, Bond aims to set records on various types of sheep, including Merino, while aspiring to achieve a Merino ewes personal best of 400 in a day.
Bond’s commitment extends beyond personal goals as she seeks to support and uplift others within the shearing fraternity.
Bond leads a dynamic life, balancing work with being a devoted mother to her 2-year-old daughter.
Her interests include fishing, diving, and hunting, reflecting her adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors.
ANNE PATERSON Timbersports
Anne Paterson’s wood-chopping prowess has earned her national and international accolades.
In 2023, she emerged as the winner of the Stihl New Zealand Women’s Championship and secured a commendable 4th place in the Stihl World Women’s Cup, held in the Netherlands.
Paterson’s remarkable performances in these prestigious competitions demonstrate her skill and dedication to the sport.
Competing against athletes from nine countries in the Stihl World Women’s Cup, she showcased her talent in three disciplines: Stock Saw, Single Saw, and Underhand.
Paterson’s impressive times in each discipline underscore her competitive spirit and ability to excel globally, setting new standards for women in wood chopping.Her achievements extend beyond her recent successes, including titles such as the Australian Women’s Single Saw Champion and the Queensland Women’s Champion of Champions Trophy winner for the 2022/2023 season.
With numerous Queensland titles to her name, Paterson’s track record exemplifies her standing as a formidable competitor.
Looking ahead, Paterson aims to reclaim the Stihl New Zealand Women’s Championship title to qualify for the 2024 Stihl World Women’s Cup.
Additionally, she harbours aspirations of securing the Single Saw Women’s Championship at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2024, highlighting her continued pursuit of excellence in the sport.
Outside of wood chopping, Paterson, who lives in Blackbutt Queensland, enjoys spending quality time with friends and family and indulging in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and travelling.
SPORTSMAN of the YEAR BOB MEHRTENS Ploughing
Bob Mehrtens, from Timaru, is a seasoned competitor with impressive accolades and at 69 years old, he’s amassed his fair share, showing off his skills in the field.
Among his achievements is his fourth-place finish in Reversible Ploughing at the World Ploughing Contest in Latvia.
Domestically, Mehrtens clinched first place in reversible ploughing at the NZ National Ploughing Championships and came out on top in seven South Island ploughing events.
He’s proudly represented New Zealand at 14 World Ploughing Contests, making notable appearances in Ireland, Kenya, and Germany.
Mehrtens’ dedication to the sport spans decades, having competed since 1969 and taken part in 45 NZ National Ploughing Championships.
Looking to the future, Mehrtens has set his sights on clinching the ultimate title: winning the World Ploughing Contest.
In his later years, he’s keen to transition to coaching, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation.
Beyond the furrows of the field, Mehrtens finds fulfilment in family, with seven grandsons who mean the world to him.
Active in his community, he loves engaging in public speaking about ploughing, contributes to the South Canterbury Traction Engine and Transport Museum, and enjoys giving kids rides in his miniature truck at local events.
A life member of the New Zealand Ploughing Association and a member of the Timaru Ploughing Association, Mehrtens’ commitment to his sport and community is unwavering.
JACK JORDAN Timbersports
Jack Jordan, from Taumarunui, is a dynamic force in the world of wood chopping. At 27, his list of achievements is nothing short of remarkable.
His crowning moment came at the Stihl Timbersports World Trophy in 2023, where he emerged as the champion, shattering the world record.
Jordan also clinched the world title in the Underhand 15-inch Chop event, outperforming competitors from 13 countries.
Last year, he won this award alongside the title of Supreme Rural Sportsperson of the Year at the NZ Rural Sports Awards.
His journey to victory was arduous, navigating through knockout rounds with precision and skill.
Jordan’s achievements reflect the pinnacle of excellence in this global arena, with numerous world titles under his belt.
Looking ahead, Jordan’s ambitions remain lofty, aiming to reclaim the 375mm World Title Underhand Championship at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and defend his World Trophy in 2024.
Additionally, he seeks to secure victory in the New Zealand Stihl Title and the Individual World Championship, showcasing his unwavering determination and commitment to excellence.
Beyond the realm of wood chopping, Jordan leads a multifaceted life.
An avid hunter, he indulges in pig hunting and stalking stags. His athletic prowess extends beyond wood chopping, as evidenced by his rugby career with the Taranaki Bulls and participation in the Chiefs Training Camp.
Jordan also manages a sizable sheep and beef farm, balancing his passion for competition with his responsibilities as a farmer.
NEIL EVANS Sheepdog trials
From Omihi in North Canterbury, Neil Evans is a stalwart in sheepdog trials, boasting a lifelong dedication to the sport.
At 65 years old, he leaves an indelible mark with his impressive achievements.
Throughout the 2023 season, he showcased his skills, qualifying an impressive array of dogs for prestigious championships across New Zealand.
Notably, Evans managed to qualify one huntaway and four heading dogs for the North Island Championships, an accomplishment requiring a high level of consistency and expertise.
His prowess was on full display at the South Island and New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Championships held in Warepa, Otago, where he clinched titles and made significant run-offs with multiple dogs.
Evans’ dog Tess, in particular, stood out with remarkable performances, securing titles in both Long Head and Short Head and Yard events.
Evans also captained the New Zealand test team in the Wayleggo Cup, leading them to victory over Australia.
Beyond his achievements in sheepdog trials, Evans is deeply involved in his community, contributing his leadership and organisational skills to various endeavours.
He serves in leadership roles for organisations such as the Ohoka Young Farmers and Glenmark Scouts, demonstrating his commitment to fostering community engagement and development.
Evans’ involvement in rugby and agricultural shows also highlights his diverse interests and contributions beyond his sport.
Looking ahead, Evans remains committed to competing at the highest level and nurturing the next generation of competitors and shepherds.