SNZ Awards 2025
SOFTBALL NZ ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS 2025
Annual Award Citations can be viewed here
A slideshow of award winners can be viewed here on our Facebook page
SOFTBALL NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS:
- Administrator of the Year – Paul Goodall (WBOP)
- Volunteer of the Year – Robert Bray (Otago)
- Domestic Coach of the Year – Callum Ryan (North Harbour)
- Personality of the Year – Skylah-Breeze Joyce (North Harbour)
- Scorer of the Year – Cheryl Dahms
- Umpire of the Year – Tony 'TK' Kaiaruna
- Women’s Emerging Player of the Year – Yvanni Gibson (Hutt Valley)
- Men’s Emerging Player of the Year – Arron Gollan (Wellington)
- Women’s Pitcher of the Year – Tyneesha Houkamau (Auckland)
- Men’s Pitcher of the Year – Pita Rona (North Harbour)
- Women’s Player of the Year –Tyneesha Houkamau (Auckland)
- Men’s Player of the Year – Reilly Makea (Wellington)
- Softballer of the Year – Paul Goodall, Western Bay of Plenty
SOFTBALL NEW ZEALAND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
- Christine Nukunuku (Auckland)
This season our Distinguished Service Award recipient’s contributions to the sport of softball span decades, and her unwavering dedication to the game has made her one of its most respected figures. Her career is a true testament to the passion and commitment required to elevate the sport at every level, both on and off the field.
Christine Nukunuku began her service to softball in the mid-1970s, first taking on the role of Secretary of the Hawkes Bay Saints Club from 1975 to 1977. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see her become a cornerstone of the Hawkes Bay Softball community, where she served as Secretary of the Hawkes Bay Softball Association from 1977 to 1986. During this time, she not only contributed to administrative duties but also took on leadership roles in the region’s scoring community, serving as Secretary/Treasurer of the Hawkes Bay Scorers Association from 1980 to 1986 and earning her New Zealand Scorers Badge in 1981.
In 1979, Christine’s dedication to the game expanded to the national level, as she began working as an official scorer for New Zealand tournaments, a role she has held continuously for over four decades. Her vast knowledge and precision as a scorer made her a key figure in New Zealand’s major softball events, and her talent for capturing every moment of the game through statistics has set a standard for excellence in the sport.
Christine's service to the game also includes roles with numerous clubs and teams across New Zealand. She has been a long-standing team scorer for Auckland Marist, Pakuranga Pacers, and Ramblers men's teams, and has also supported the Auckland Representative teams. Her work in the Auckland Premier competition and as a statistician for New Zealand National Tournaments from 1990 to 2006 has been invaluable in maintaining the high standards of play at the top levels.
Her contributions went beyond just scoring and statistics—Christine also served as a manager for the Auckland Under 15 Boys team in 1994 and took on multiple leadership roles, including Secretary of the Pakuranga Pacers Softball Club from 1997 to 2004 and Media Coordinator for the Auckland Softball Association from 2002 to 2009. Her leadership and organizational skills have consistently supported the success of teams and competitions.
Her service has not been limited to administrative roles alone. In 2003, she became a Northern Deputy on the New Zealand Scorers Panel, a position she held until 2010, and she continued to serve as a statistician for the New Zealand White Sox at the Olympic Qualifier in Taiwan in 2006. Additionally, she made significant contributions to New Zealand’s international teams, including as statistician for the New Zealand Junior White Sox during their World Series in China (2002-2003) and as statistician for the New Zealand All Stars team in 2002.
Beyond her technical expertise, Christine’s long-standing commitment to the game has been recognized by her peers and organizations. In 1987, she was named a Life Member of the Hawkes Bay Softball Association, and she continues to serve the sport in various capacities, including as Treasurer of the Auckland Scorers Association since 2000, and has been the Manager for the Ramblers Premier Men’s team since 2015.
Christine's tireless work ethic, leadership, and passion for softball have made her a true trailblazer in the sport. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on New Zealand softball, and she is a highly deserving recipient of the Distinguished Service Award
SOFTBALL NEW ZEALAND LIFE MEMBERSHIP
- Lyn Lockhart
It is with immense respect and gratitude that we present Lyn Lockhart with Life Membership for her unparalleled dedication and tireless service to the sport of softball in New Zealand. Lyn’s career has spanned decades, and her contributions have left an indelible mark on the softball community, both domestically and internationally.
Lyn’s journey in softball management began with her role as the Junior White Sox Manager from 2003 to 2007, a period during which she made history by leading the team to their first-ever participation in the Canada Cup. This was just the beginning of a storied career that would see her take on key roles with New Zealand's premier women’s team, the White Sox. As White Sox Manager from 2004 to 2010, Lyn guided the team through four major international campaigns, including the 2006 World Championship in Beijing, the 2007 Olympic Qualifier in Taiwan, the 2010 World Championship in Caracas, Venezuela, and the 2018 World Championship in Tokyo, Japan, where she stepped in as a cover for a manager facing a medical emergency.
Lyn’s leadership and organisational skills extended beyond the White Sox, as she served as Head of Delegation for multiple international events, including the 2012 Yukon Canada, 2014 Haarlem Netherlands, and 2015 Oklahoma USA tournaments. Most recently, in 2023, she served as Head of Delegation for the Black Sox and U18 Girls teams in Pago Pago, American Samoa.
Her involvement with Softball New Zealand has been pivotal on many fronts. As a Board Member from 2008 to 2011, Lyn served as both Chair of the Personnel Sub Committee and Deputy Chair, making key decisions that shaped the future of the sport in New Zealand. Her leadership skills were further recognised when she was appointed President of Softball New Zealand from 2013 to 2016, where she worked tirelessly to advance the sport’s development.
Lyn’s commitment to the game extended to her role as a Dispensation Committee Member/Chair from 2007 to 2022, as well as her significant contributions to tournament organisation and coordinating the Gillies Shield entry for the White Sox in Australia in 2007. Her administrative and event coordination expertise continued with her volunteer management for the 2004 Men’s World Championship, where she served as the Co-ordinator of Volunteers.
In addition to her leadership roles, Lyn’s work behind the scenes has been equally impactful. She was an active Scorer for Softball New Zealand from 2000 to 2004 and has been a Tournament Representative from 2006 to 2021. Her influence continued to be felt as a Facilitator and Presenter at SNZ Annual Workshops in 2024, where she shared her extensive knowledge with the next generation of softball leaders.
As a Manager’s Mentor for the New Zealand White Sox in 2024, Lyn has planned and coordinated tours, including the 2024 Canada Cup, and shared her expertise with new managers, ensuring the continuity of excellence in the team’s operations. Her contribution to the sport’s institutional knowledge is further reflected in her creation of the Manager’s Manuals, detailing everything from how to approach team communications to logistics of international softball tours.
Lyn’s long-standing commitment to the sport also extends to her work with the Softball Foundation New Zealand, where she has served as Trustee and Chair since 2022, continuing her legacy of leadership and dedication to the sport’s growth and recognition.
For her decades of service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to softball at every level, Lyn Lockhart is a true icon of the sport in New Zealand. Her work has shaped the futures of countless athletes, coaches, and volunteers, and her impact will be felt for generations to come. It is with great pride that we recognise her with Life Membership, an honour she richly deserves. Lyn’s contribution to softball is both vast and deeply respected. Her legacy is not only written in titles, tours, and executive roles—but also in the relationships she has built, the lives she has influenced, and the admiration she has earned from those who have worked closely with her.
To truly capture the impact Lyn has had on our softball community, we’ve gathered a few words from those within our softball community who have had the privilege of working alongside her. Their reflections speak to Lyn’s leadership, tireless dedication, and the quiet strength with which she has supported countless athletes and teams over the years.
Sina Hunkin, former WSX Player, Manager and Mental Skills coach said:
As a WSX player, Lyn was an amazing manager! Later in life when I became involved in various WSX management roles, I had the privilege of working alongside her and seeing first-hand what made her so good. Lyn cared about the welfare of athletes and had a commitment to excellence in her role which was impressive and inspiring. This was reflected in her meticulous planning, wealth of knowledge, strong communication skills, and ability to build good relationships. Lyn has a way about her that makes you feel like everything is going to be ok. As a player, and even more so as a former member of WSX management, she has provided a great deal of reassurance, especially during challenging times. For this, and so much more, I will always feel extremely grateful and privileged to have had Lyn in my softball life!
Mike Walsh, former New Zealand White Sox Head Coach said:
"It was a privilege to have Lyn as the WSX manager for our various campaigns including the 2006 world Champs in China. Her planning & delivery of all her roles was superb, she handled all issues efficiently, at times over & beyond whatever was required to ensure the team & all members were her priority. Always honest in her decisions making, no BS or spin. Lyn has been a wonderful administrator for our sport plus a super friend, truly worthy of Life Membership, congrats mate!!!"
Rebecca Bromhead, a former New Zealand White Sox athlete, shared:
“When I first met Lyn, I was terrified. Not because she is an overtly scary presence - though, to a new White Sox squad member, her no-nonsense efficiency as a manager absolutely made you want to stay in her good books. No, I was terrified, because from the very first time I heard her address us as players, it was undeniable how much she loves and respects the White Sox program, what a privilege it is to be a part of it, and the responsibility we now all bore as new members. In those few minutes, she set the tone for my entire international career, and for a moment, the weight of that expectation, the idea of failing to live up to the picture she had painted, to disappoint her or the program in any way...well, as I said, terrifying - but in the best possible way. I was awed, and inspired, and determined. Almost 20 years has passed since then, and I have had the privilege of playing with and for a large number of passionate and proud White Sox whanau. I have heard more beautiful speeches, witnessed people put their heart and soul into the fern, and been inspired over and over again. However, in all my time, nobody - nobody - has stood with, fought for, and supported our program with the passion, determination and strength of character that Lyn Lockhart has. She has been the cheerleader in the stands, the guardian angel behind the scenes, the fighter in our corner - and she has been doing it for decades. I am so happy to hear that Softball NZ is recognising Lyn with this Life Membership. Back in that first speech, she spoke of the legacy we needed to carry, the shoulders of giants we now stood on. I was inspired, and awed, thinking of the legends who had come before me. I didn't realise it fully at the time, but I was in the presence of another legend, another giant that was during creating her own legacy. What an absolute honour and privilege to have been a part of it. Thank you, Lyn,”.
The words shared by the softball community only begin to reflect the depth of appreciation, respect, and admiration for Lyn. Her tireless dedication, wisdom and grace have left a lasting mark on generations of players, coaches, officials, and administrators. Lyn has given so much more than time and service—she has given heart, integrity, and unwavering support to the game we all love. Her influence will continue to echo through our fields, dugouts and boardrooms for years to come.
Tonight, we honour not only a remarkable career, but a remarkable person. On behalf of everyone across New Zealand softball—past, present, and future—congratulations, Lyn, and thank you for everything. Your Life Membership is a tribute well earned, and so richly deserved