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Coach of the Year
2026 Community Winner - Thomas Makea - Softball
2026 Performance Winner - Gary Gibson - Cycling
Multiple weekly sessions, community events and rider safety education defined Gary Gibson’s volunteer coaching year. His athlete-centred approach built confidence, resilience and youth cycling pathways across Wellington. Riders coached by Gary progressed to the highest levels of competition and representative success.
A World Cup silver medalist with the New Zealand Black Sox, NZ Māori Sports Awards finalist status and a 2026 Coach of the Year nomination mark Thomas Makea’s outstanding coaching season. He led the national side to the final in Canada while representing club, province, country and whānau. His campaign finished with Black Sox Team of the Year finalist recognition.
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