At Generate, we believe in top performance – and in celebrating New Zealanders who achieve at the highest level. From the investment decisions we make on behalf of our members, to the people and communities we support, performance and dedication matter.
That’s why we’re proud to be sponsoring New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment at the 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards.
Why this award is special
New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment is the only Halberg Award voted for by the public, giving Kiwis across the country the chance to have their say on the sporting moments that inspired them most.
These are the moments that stop the nation, bring us together, and remind us what’s possible through hard work, resilience and belief – values that strongly align with Generate and our focus on celebrating performance.
It’s also a meaningful award for us because Generate ambassador and Olympic gold medallist Finn Butcher won this category last year. His winning moment – claiming his medal and running straight to share it with his dad – captured the hearts of New Zealanders and perfectly reflected what sits behind every great performance: dedication, support and long-term commitment.
This year, Finn will present the award on Generate’s behalf at the Halberg Award ceremony on 16 February.
Public voting is now open
Public voting is now open for New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment, proudly supported by Generate. This year’s shortlist features 12 unforgettable moments from across the sporting landscape – from historic firsts and world-class achievements to deeply personal gestures that resonated far beyond the field of play.
As the only award decided entirely by public vote, New Zealanders are encouraged to get involved and help crown the moment that captured the nation’s heart. You can cast one vote per day, giving you multiple chances to support your favourite.
Voting closes at 8.30pm on Monday 16 February 2026, with the winner announced shortly after at the 63rd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards, live on Sky Sport and free-to-air on Sky Open.
👉 Cast your vote here
The top 12 sporting moments
This year’s finalists span a wide range of sports and stories:
• Sam Ruthe becomes the youngest person in history to break the four-minute mile (athletics).
• Luke Harrold (16) lands a world-first triple corked rotation in freeski halfpipe (snow sports).
• Auckland FC lift the premiership plate in their inaugural season (football).
• Ryan Fox chips a sensational playoff birdie to claim his maiden PGA Tour victory (golf).
• Ardie Savea’s match-sealing turnover delivers Moana Pasifika’s first-ever win over the Blues (rugby).
• Hayden Wilde’s comeback win at the T100 London after injury (triathlon).
• Portia Woodman-Wickliffe becomes New Zealand’s all-time top try scorer (rugby).
• Geordie Beamish wins gold just days after being tripped and stepped on in qualifying (athletics).
• Hamish Kerr claims an elusive world title (athletics).
• Eroni Clarke’s surprise national anthem performance moves son Caleb before his opening try (rugby).
• Grace Nweke’s public show of support for Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua (netball).
• Matthew Payne conquers Mount Panorama in torrential rain to win the Bathurst 1000 (motorsport).