Halberg Awards announce finalists for New Zealand’s favourite sporting moment

Olympic gold medallists Lydia Ko, Hamish Kerr and Ellesse Andrews are among the Halberg "favourite sporting moment" finalists. Photos / Getty Images, Photosport

Kiwi fans will have to decide between a stacked list of 10 outstanding achievements when choosing the Halberg award for New Zealand’s favourite sporting moment.

Voting has opened for the only Halbergs category determined by the public, with the list of nominees reflecting a phenomenal year for sport in Aotearoa.

This year’s finalists feature a thrilling range of moments – from World Cup victories to displays of grit and determination at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.

The nominees represent the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork and triumph that resonates deeply with New Zealanders.

For the next month, Kiwis have the opportunity to celebrate the sporting moment that captured their hearts in 2024, allowed to cast their vote once a day to help crown the nation’s favourite sporting memory in 2024.

The winner will be announced live at the Halberg Awards on February 18.

The full list of the top 10 sporting moments:

1. Anna Grimaldi (para athletics) – Overcame the heartbreak of missing a long jump medal to claim New Zealand’s only gold at the Paris Paralympics, winning the 200m T47.

2. Black Caps (cricket) – Became the first team in history to sweep a three-match test series away to India.

3. Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors (rowing) – In an emotional post-race moment, they embraced their children after earning Olympic gold in the women’s double sculls.

4. Ellesse Andrews – Celebrated winning the Olympic keirin with father and coach Jon: “Most of the time your parents are on the other side of the fence, so to have one trackside on this side of the fence with me is very special”.

5. Finn Butcher (canoe slalom) – Paid tribute to his father, multisporter Dale, after winning gold in the event’s Olympic debut.

Finn Butcher celebrates after his golden run at Paris. Photo / Getty Images

6. Hamish Kerr (athletics) – Memorably celebrated after clearing the winning jump in a dramatic Olympic high jump final, running through the infield amid ongoing events.

7. Hayden Wilde (triathlon) – Marked his Olympic silver medal with a powerful display of sportsmanship, embracing rival Alex Yee in a quiet moment of camaraderie.

8. Dame Lydia Ko (golf) – Won a career-defining gold in Paris, completing her historic Olympic medal collection.

9. Silver Ferns (netball) – Clinched the 2024 Constellation Cup with a third straight comprehensive win over Australia in Perth.

10. White Ferns (cricket) – Defeated South Africa in the Women’s T20 World Cup final in Dubai, clinching New Zealand’s first T20 World Cup.