Sports Legends of Wellington
This category recognises icons of sport who have made an outstanding contribution as an athlete.
The induction of the 2026 Sports Legends of Wellington recognises Wellington icons of sport who have made an outstanding contribution as an athlete. Since 2003, over 60 athletes have received recognition as Sports Legends of Wellington. The criteria, as set out by the Academy, are that the Legend must:
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Have a close allegiance to the Greater Wellington Region (including the Wairarapa, Kapiti, Porirua, Hutt Valley and Wellington City)
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Be an athlete (as distinct from a coach or administrator)
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Be retired at least 10 years from top competition at the time of their induction
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Be acknowledged icons who have made an indelible impact on our community through their accomplishments.
Most importantly the Legends must be acknowledged icons who have made an indelible impact on our community through their accomplishments.
2026 Winner - Trish Hina - Rugby Union, Rugby League, Touch, Softball
2026 Winner - Jerry Collins - Rugby Union
2026 Winner - Rodney So'oialo - Rugby Union
2026 Winner - Irene van Dyk - Netball
Trish Hina
Trish is a remarkable athlete who stands
among New Zealand's greatest sporting pioneers.
Raised in the Hutt Valley and educated at Naenae College, she represented New Zealand with distinction in four sports – rugby league, rugby, touch, and softball – an achievement unmatched by almost any New Zealand athlete.
She became the defining player of the Kiwi Ferns' golden era, helping New Zealand win three Rugby League World Cups and earning Player of the Tournament honours in both 2000 and 2008. She later fulfilled another dream by becoming a Black Fern and helping New Zealand win the 2010 Rugby World Cup.
Her extraordinary versatility, sustained excellence and lasting influence have secured her place among Wellington's greatest sporting legends.
Jerry Collins
The late Jerry Collins embodied everything admired in Wellington rugby – courage, commitment, humility, and uncompromising physicality.
Raised in Porirua, he emerged through Northern United and Wellington representative rugby to play 85 matches for the Hurricanes and earn 48 test caps for the All Blacks, also captaining his country.
Revered for his devastating defence, relentless work ethic and fierce competitiveness, he became one of the defining players of his generation. Off the field, he remained deeply connected to his community, earning enormous respect for his generosity and authenticity.
His tragic passing in 2015 was mourned throughout the rugby world, but his legacy lives through the countless players and fans he inspired.
Rodney So’oialo
Rodney is another great Wellington loose forward, who built a career defined by consistency, leadership, and excellence.
A product of Porirua, he first represented New Zealand in the World Champion Under-21 team before winning both the Rugby World Cup Sevens and Commonwealth Games gold medal with the New Zealand Sevens side in 2001 and 2002.
He then became the heartbeat of the Hurricanes, playing 101 matches and captaining the franchise with distinction.
Between 2002 and 2009 he earned 62 test caps for the All Blacks, becoming one of the world's premier loose forwards through his tireless work rate, powerful defence and exceptional leadership.
Admired for his professionalism and humility, he inspired teammates on and off the field while proudly representing Wellington throughout his career.
Irene van Dyk
Irene became one of the greatest goal shooters the game has ever known.
After making Wellington her home in 2000, she enjoyed an extraordinary career with the Silver Ferns. In her career she earned a then world-record 217 international caps across South Africa and New Zealand, including 145 for the Silver Ferns.
Renowned for her remarkable accuracy, composure, and longevity, she played a pivotal role in New Zealand's 2003 World Championship triumph and Commonwealth Games gold medal victories in 2006 and 2010.
She was named New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year in 2003 and became one of the country's most admired sporting figures, inspiring generations of young netballers through her excellence and humility.
Previous Sports Legends of Wellington
2025
Niniwa Roberts, Hockey
Bill Byrne, Boxing
Bruce Edgar, Cricket
2025 Winner - Toni Jeffs, Swimming
2024
Michael Campbell - Golf
Christian Cullen - Rugby
Chantel Brunner - Athletics
Rebecca Liua'ana - Rugby
Tania Tupu - Basketball
2022
Paula Tesoriero - Para Cycling
Grant Batty - Rugby
Sanda Edge - Netball
Grant Turner - Football
2019
Allan Hewson - Rugby
Michael Kenny - Boxing
Naomi Shaw - Softball
Trish McKelvey - Cricket
2023
Anna Smith nee O'Leary - Cricket
John Whittaker - Rugby League
Jill Westerna - Multi Sport Athlete
Rebecca Liua'ana - Rugby
Peter Horne - Para Bowls
2021
Duane Kale - Para Swimming
Lynnette Brooky - Golf
Olivia Baker - Weightlifting
Tana Umaga - Rugby
2018
Stuart Davenport – Squash
Kevin Herlihy (1948 – 2006) – Softball
Suzie Muirhead – Hockey
Melissa Moon – Athletics
2017
Jean Jarden (1907-1983) – Croquet
Bryan Rose – Athletics
Jeremy Coney – Cricket
2016
Murray Dunn (1935-2015) – Table Tennis
Belinda Cordwell – Tennis
Bernie Fraser – Rugby
Stu Wilson – Rugby
2014
Kenny McFadden – Basketball
Bevan Smith – Athletics
Mark Sorenson – Softball
Ron McKenzie (1922 – 2006) – Tennis
2012
Margharet Matenga- Netball
Kathleen Nunnely (1872-1956) – Tennis
Philip Rush – Distance Swimming
2015
John Durry (1936-2006) – Golf
Barry Sinclair – Cricket
Maureen Jacobson – Football
Murray Mexted – Rugby
2013
Bob Blair – Cricket
Judy Howat – Lawn Bowls
Peter Miskimmin – Hockey
Mark Nicholls (1901-1972) – Rugby
2011
Colin O’Neil – Rugby League
Graham Williams – Rugby
Ken Gray (1938 – 1992) – Rugby
2010
Waimarama Taumaunu – Netball
Wynton Rufer – Football
Stewie Dempster (1903 – 1974) – Cricket
2009
Ewen Chatfield – Cricket
Arthur Donald Duncan (1876 – 1951) – Golf
Meda McKenzie – Swimming
2008
Ted Morgan (1906 – 1952) – Boxing
Ross Collinge – Rowing
Trevor Manning – Hockey
Alan McIntyre – Hockey
2007
Ron Jarden (1929 – 1977) – Rugby
Jack Tynan – Hockey
Andy Leslie – Rugby
2006
Bill Massey – Softball
Harry Kent – Cycling
2005
Eric Tindill (1910 – 2010) – Rugby/Cricket
Billy Wallace (1878 – 1972) – Rugby
Dick Joyce – Rowing
Marilyn Marshall – Softball/Football
2004
Barrie Devenport (1935 – 2010) – Distance Swimming
Rebecca Perrott – Swimming
John Reid – Cricket
2003
Onny Parun – Tennis