The region’s finest young student athletes and leaders were celebrated at the 2025 Steve’s Tyre Service & Auto Care Manawatū Secondary School Sport Champions 2025, held at the Palmy Conference + Function Centre on Thursday 23 October 2025.

Organised and delivered by Sport Manawatū, the annual awards recognise outstanding sporting achievements across Palmerston North, Manawatū, Tararua, and Horowhenua. The event celebrated the region’s top finalists whose dedication, leadership, and talent have inspired their schools and communities.

This year’s judging panel faced a particularly tough task, with an exceptionally high calibre of nominations showcasing the incredible depth of sporting talent and dedication within our secondary schools. After careful consideration, the following individuals and teams were recognised as champions:

• Active Recreation Champion: Tararua College
  (Sponsored by Central Bicycle Studio)
• Student Administrator of the Year: Jakob Abernethy – Palmerston North Boys’ High School
  (Sponsored by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University)
• Student Coach of the Year (Female): Elleanor King – St Peter’s College
  (Sponsored by The Verdict Café)
• Student Coach of the Year (Male): Reuben Rose – Palmerston North Boys’ High School
  (Sponsored by The Verdict Café)
• Student Official of the Year (Female): Izzy Brown – Awatapu College
  (Sponsored by Subway the Square)
• Student Official of the Year (Male): Josh Irwin – Palmerston North Boys’ High School
  (Sponsored by Subway the Square)
• Student Athlete with A Disability of the Year: Jonty Howland – Feilding High School
  (Sponsored by P3 Physiotherapy)
• Student Athlete of the Year (Female): Zahara Slatter – Feilding High School
  (Sponsored by Kitchen Studio)
• Student Athlete of the Year (Male): Jonty Williamson – Palmerston North Boys’ High School
  (Sponsored by Kitchen Studio)
• Secondary School Team of the Year: Feilding High School Clay Target Shooting Team
  (Sponsored by Ebony Coffee Roasters)

These awards would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including Steve's Tyre Service + Auto Care as the naming rights sponsor, along with Central Bicycle Studio, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, The Verdict Café, Subway the Square, P3 Physiotherapy, Kitchen Studio, and Ebony Coffee Roasters. Their support enables us to recognise these outstanding young individuals.

Reflecting on the event, Sport Manawatū CEO Kelly Shanks stated, "It is truly inspiring to witness the dedication and talent of these young athletes and leaders. Their achievements not only bring pride to the region but also set a benchmark for future generations. We are immensely grateful to the sponsors, educators, families, and friends whose unwavering support has been instrumental in their success."

As always, it takes a community to raise a champion. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the Principals and Sports Coordinators who have provided mentorship and opportunities, to the whānau whose support has been vital, to the clubs for their support, and to the friends who have cheered these athletes on from the sidelines. Your collective support is an irreplaceable part of their success and the future of sport in our rohe.