Rangatahi Sportsperson of
the Year
2024 Winner - Lukas Kelly-Heald, Football
Lukas Kelly-Heald had a standout season with the Wellington Phoenix in his professional debut. At 18, he impressed at the U-20 FIFA World Cup, starting three of New Zealand’s four matches. He signed a four-year contract with the Phoenix, the longest in club history, and became a regular starter, appearing in 18 of 29 games. Kelly-Heald's contributions helped the Phoenix achieve a club-record second place. He also earned a call-up to the senior All Whites squad, marking a rapid rise from reserve standout to international competitor.
Open to any rangatahi athlete who has excelled as an individual or in a team in one or more sports. This award recognises two rangatahi athletes, one on a community-based level and one on a performance-based level. Nominees must be under the age of 20 as at 1 April 2024 (end of achievement period).
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Nominees will not have represented provinces, schools or clubs outside the Greater Wellington Region during the judging period, where there have been equal opportunities to represent provinces, schools or clubs at the same level within the Greater Wellington Region
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Only individual nominations will be accepted (teams are eligible for the Teams category)
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This award can only ever be won once by an individual
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This category is eligible for all gender identities
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Performance level is considered to be a sport played at a competition level nationally or internationally
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NB: Must not have achieved success at an elite international level or have represented New Zealand as part of a national open team/senior grade. Success at an elite international level is defined as having medalled at the Olympic Games or Senior World Championships (or that sports equivalent competition)
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Community level is considered to be a sport played locally, regionally, competitively (as an amateur), or socially. It can be within a registered club or an unaffiliated sports group or team
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Judges will also take into account involvement and commitment to the sport on and off the field. Any relevant examples of the nominee going above and beyond within their sport will be considered