NZDF Sports Awards

About 50 guests attended the New Zealand Defence Force Sports Awards on Friday 23 March at Wellington's Westpac Trust Stadium. The Chief of Defence Force, LT GEN Jerry Mateparae presented the awards and congratulated the recipients.

The NZDF Individual Sportsperson of the Year was won by Flight Lieutenant Craig Searle (with CDF, left) who had an extremely busy sporting year having been involved in Touch rugby, softball, basketball, volleyball and soccer at  the RNZAF and NZDF levels.

Sergeant Terry Miritana was awarded for his overall outstanding contribution to NZDF sport.  Sgt Miritana has been extensively involved with Army and NZDF Touch for the past four years.  A notable achievement was his coaching of the NZDF over 30s team which claimed the silver medal at the New Zealand Nationals in 2007.

The NZDF Sports Team of the Year, awarded to the NZDF team that made the most outstanding contribution to NZDF sport, was won by the NZDF Mixed Open Touch Team. They recently came third at the New Zealand National Masters in Auckland.

Outstanding Sportsperson of the Year was won by POPTI Emma Cairns  (pictured with CDF at right) who had a very successful year in both Touch and Rugby League.  POPTI Cairns played for the Northcote Tigers Rugby League side, and was named for the Auckland Rugby League squad and for the squad to play against Australia.

CDF LT GEN Mateparae acknowledged the sports officials and administrators that work behind the scenes.  He also paid tribute to the bravery of Sergeant Nathan Blacker who passed away that day.

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