Connor Campbell is Taupō’s 2026 Adult Sportsperson of the Year.
Just under 300 people gathered at Wairakei Resort on October to celebrate an outstanding year of sporting achievement at the 2026 Lake Taupō District Sports Awards.
The evening recognised the athletes, teams, coaches and volunteers who make such a valuable contribution to sport across the district.
Organised by the Lake Taupō District Sports Advisory Council, the evening celebrated sporting success at all levels, with this year’s theme highlighting the talent and opportunities within youth sport.
The pinnacle award of the evening, Sportsperson of the Year – Adult, was awarded to boxer Connor Campbell, recognising an exceptional year in the ring.
Connor was selected to represent New Zealand at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in the elite 65kg division. He has now won seven consecutive New Zealand titles, equalling a record that has stood since 1990.
At the recent New Zealand Boxing Awards, Connor also collected three major honours, including the Ted Morgan Cup, Bill O’Connor Award and Jamison Belt.
Youth Female Sportsperson of the Year went to mountain biker and Xterra athlete Bianca Stewart, who enjoyed an outstanding season, winning the Xterra Long Course New Zealand U19 title and finishing first overall female.
She also claimed silver at the U19 National Cyclocross Championships and is a New Zealand U17 XCO Mountain Bike National Champion.
Youth Male Sportsperson of the Year was awarded to triathlete Matthew More, who has been selected to represent New Zealand in the Men’s Individual Triathlon at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Matthew secured New Zealand’s sole qualification spot and also finished second overall in the Triathlon New Zealand U17 Junior Series.
The Youth Team of the Year was the Taupō Phoenix Rugby League Club U14 Girls Team, following an exceptional season which saw the Taupō Phoenix U14 Kotiro crowned Bay of Plenty U14 Kotiro champions.
Their success highlights the growth of girls’ rugby league and the commitment of the players, families and club.
Adult Team of the Year went to Tom King and Sally Harrison for their achievements in hybrid fitness. The pair were crowned 40–44 age-group winners at the Deadly Dozen World Championships in London in September 2026, following impressive individual performances at regional and Oceania championships.
Coach of the Year was awarded to Cameron Paul of Tri-Sport Taupō, recognising his six years leading the club’s Junior Development Programme.
Cameron has helped develop a strong pathway for young athletes, supporting their progression from local participation through to national and international competition.
Club Contributor of the Year went to Hugh Munro of Taupō Rowing. As Club Captain, Hugh dedicates countless volunteer hours to coaching, mentoring, maintaining equipment and supporting both junior and masters rowing.
His contribution is invaluable to the club and wider rowing community.
Two further awards for Outstanding Service to Sport were presented to John McCartney and Arthur Corbett, recognising their contributions to sport within the district.
Scholarships were also presented to support local sporting talent. Michael Hancock received the Gary Ramsay Charitable Trust Scholarship, while Matthew More, Nikea Williams, Isaiah Apiti and Toby Elmiger received Lake Taupō Sports Foundation Scholarships.
George Fisher was awarded the Supreme Lake Taupō Sports Foundation Scholarship.
The Lake Taupō District Sports Advisory Council congratulates all winners, finalists, nominees and scholarship recipients. The achievements recognised throughout the evening are a fantastic reflection of the sporting talent, dedication and community spirit within the Taupō district.
A huge thank you goes to the sponsors who helped make the evening possible: naming rights sponsor Gary Ramsay Charitable Trust, Platinum sponsor BFA Business Advisors and Accountants, Gold sponsors David Reid Homes and Lake FM Taupō 89.6, and category sponsors DPA Chartered Accountants, Empower Fitness, Lake Taupō Chiropractic, Total Sport NZ, Taupō Pathways for Youth Employment, Zest Brokers Central North Island and Westerman.
Thank you also to guest speaker Craig Kirkwood, and everyone who contributed their time and support to deliver a fantastic evening.
Congratulations to everyone recognised. Taupō has plenty to be proud of!
