Cameron Leslie hopes his trip to Vancouver this time will be a sweet success, after last time the wheelchair rugby athlete was left with a sour taste when his team placed second to last.

One of the world's most coveted sporting trophies is starting a national tour in Northland next week.

Club rugby players have been given the thumbs up from Northland's ITM Cup coach as the season approaches the midway stage.

The seventh draw in Sport Northland's Lotto Sport Maker has seen volunteers recognised for their contribution to local sport.