Sports fans to pick top feat

It could be Winston Reid's last-minute equaliser against Slovakia that ignited the All Whites' World Cup campaign or All Black Israel Dagg's winning try in Soweto with 30 seconds left on the clock.

Then again the Kiwis, who didn't even get a look-in at last year's Halberg Awards despite being crowned World Champions in 2008, could be in with a shout after taking this year's Four Nations title.

Or Brendon McCullum's 117 off 56 balls against Australia in February, The Silver Ferns' thrilling double-overtime victory against Australia in the Commonwealth Games or Eric Murray and Hamish Bond's white-knuckle win in the coxless pairs final at the World Rowing Championships at Karapiro.

All rate at least a mention in a good year for New Zealand sport.

Controversy over what was New Zealand's top sporting moment for 2010 should be put to be bed when the matter is decided by public vote - a first for the Westpac Halberg Awards.

The Halberg Trust executive board this week gave the go-ahead for the Sparc-sponsored initiative, which they believe will stimulate greater public awareness of the work the trust does in linking disabled people to sport and active leisure in their community.

"We know how much New Zealanders care about their sport and each year the Westpac Halberg Awards generate considerable debate," said Halberg Trust chief executive Steve Hall.

The criteria for the nation's favourite sporting moment are "the most exciting, remarkable or compelling sporting moment, game or series during 2010" involving New Zealand sporting teams and individuals both at home and abroad.

It will involve both on-line and text voting, with the public selecting from up to 10 of the most compelling and special sporting moments involving New Zealand teams and individuals this year.

Sparc chief executive Peter Miskimmin believes the new award would capture the imagination of the New Zealand public.

See more online
www.halberg.co.nz