New Zealand Football has been shortlisted for two awards at next month's 2026 NZ Sport and Recreation Awards.

New Zealand Football has been named as a finalist in the Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion category for their work in engaging with Pasifika in community football. 

The nomination comes a week after New Zealand Football claimed double honours at the 2026 Diversity Awards NZ™, awarded the He Ara Māori Tohu - Cultural Competence Award and the 2026 Supreme Award.

New Zealand Sport and Recreation says the Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion category acknowledges an initiative promoting diversity and inclusion through access, participation, leadership or community connection.

New Zealand Football's General Manager of People, Finance & Business Transformation, Tarryn McKenzie, was also named as a finalist for the Susie Simcock Future Leaders’ Scholarship category.

New Zealand Sport and Recreation says the Susie Simcock Future Leaders’ Scholarship recognises an emerging leader showing exceptional leadership and impact within their organisation or communities.

The winners of the 2026 NZ Sport and Recreation Awards will be announced at the ceremony held at the New Zealand International Conference Centre (NZICC) in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Monday 8 June.   

Article added: Thursday 14 May 2026