Sport NZ Media Release
14 February 2013
Sir John Wells receives Sport New Zealand leadership award
The distinguished sport sector leadership of Sir John Wells has been recognised at the 50th Westpac Halberg Awards with
Sir John receiving the Sport New Zealand Leadership Award.
Sport New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin said the leadership award pays tribute to Sir John’s significant
contribution to the sector over many years.
“Sport New Zealand is delighted to honour Sir John with this award as a symbol of the outstanding leadership he has
demonstrated in sport.
“Sir John possesses a deep understanding of the importance of sport to New Zealand and New Zealanders and he’s advanced
the cause of the entire sport sector over several decades.”
Sir John Wells is a previous Chairman of Sport & Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) and was on the Board of the New Zealand Sports Foundation. He was a member of the
successful RWC 2011 Bid Committee, was then appointed to the RWC Establishment Board and then held a position on the
Board of Rugby NZ 2011. In addition, he has also chaired a number of other Boards for major sports events, including the
2012 Triathlon World Championship Grand Final in Auckland, the Auckland stopover of the 2012 Volvo Ocean Race and the
2007 Netball World Championships.
In 2009 John Wells was made a Distinguished Companion of The New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to business and
sport, and was subsequently invested with a Knighthood.
He is currently the Chairman of the Auckland Regional Sports Trust Establishment Board.
Sir John joins an eminent list of previous winners including Sir Murray Halberg, Jock Hobbs and Sir John Anderson.
The award is presented annually to an individual who has displayed inspiring, focused and effective leadership in sport.
ENDS