Doyen of sports pictures honoured

For more than 50 years Peter Bush has photographed rugby matches around the world and the impact the sport has made, in particular, on New Zealand.

Just as the late Sir Terry McLean was the doyen of sports writing in this country, Bush, who was last night honoured with a special award from the New Zealand Rugby Union at its awards dinner in Wellington, was his photographic equivalent, a pioneer who started his professional life on the Herald in 1948.

He is still going strong and it was no surprise to see Bush pop up in Rome last year for the start of the latest All Black tour to Europe.

Bush always maintained that his proudest moment came two years ago when he was asked to present the All Blacks with their jerseys before a test against England.

But he may have to rethink that pecking order after last night.

Usually a player, coach or administrator is honoured for their contribution to the national sport, but last night the 73-year-old Bush was the recipient of the special award.

The player of the year went to Daniel Carter, who made such a huge impression when he was asked to move into at first five-eighths on the European last tour.

Carter also pipped his Crusaders and All Black team-mate Richie McCaw for the Super 12 player of the year, though McCaw did take out the first division trophy after leading Canterbury to the NPC title.

Canterbury were chosen as the team of the year and new Crusaders assistant, Bay of Plenty's Vern Cotter as coach of the year.

Judges were Tane Norton, Sir Brian Lochore, John Sturgeon and Bob Howitt.

Award Winners

Age-group player of the year: Jerome Kaino (Auckland). Sevens: Liam Messom (Waikato). Referee: Paddy O'Brien. Woman: Stephanie Mortimer (Canterbury). Volunteer: Adelle Wakely (Hawkes Bay). Super 12: Daniel Carter (Crusaders). Team: Canterbury. Maori: Carl Hayman (Otago). Division three: Craig Tansley (Horowhenua-Kapiti). Division two: Mark Bright (Nelson Bays). Division one: Richie McCaw (Canterbury). Coach: Vern Cotter (Bay of Plenty). Player: Daniel Carter (Canterbury). Special Award: Peter Bush.