Football Fern Hannah Wilkinson’s match-winning goal against Norway in the FIFA Women’s World Cup opening game is a finalist for New Zealand’s favourite sporting moment of 2023.
The goal, which gave New Zealand their first-ever win at a World Cup tournament, is nominated for the favourite moment award at this year’s ISPS Handa Halberg Awards.
Main photo: New Zealand’s Hannah Wilkinson celebrates her goal during the opening match of the 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup at Eden Park, Auckland. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Phototek.
Of the awards, this category is the only one in which the public can vote for their favourite.
The 10 finalists
1. Black Caps — beat England by one run, just the second time in history a test match has been won by one run, and the fourth instance of a side winning after following on. February 2023 (cricket).
2. New Zealand Warriors — remarkable 32-30 victory over the Sharks, after trailing 20-0 just 18 minutes into the game. April 2023 (rugby-league).
3. Shane van Gisbergen — wins debut NASCAR race in Chicago, the first time a driver has won on debut in over 60 years. July 2023 (motorsport).
4. Hannah Wilkinson — scores the only goal in the opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup against Norway. July 2023 (football).
5. Mea Motu — defends IBO world super bantamweight title after dislocating her shoulder in the first round. August 2023 (boxing).
6. Women’s K4 Kayak 500m — became the first K4 crew from New Zealand – male or female – to win a K4 World Championship Title. August 2023 (canoe racing).
7. Ryan Fox — celebrates winning the BMW PGA Championship. September 2023 (golf).
8. Liam Lawson — earned first Formula One points placing ninth at the Singapore Grand Prix. September 2023 (motorsport).
9. Sam Whitelock — wins a turnover in the final moment of the game to secure an All Blacks victory in the Rugby World Cup Quarter Final match against Ireland. October 2023 (rugby union).
10. Ronaldo Mulitalo — started and finished a sensational length-of-the-field movement by the Kiwis in the 14th minute against the Kangaroos. November 2023 (rugby league).
How to vote
New Zealanders can vote once a day until 9pm on Wednesday February 14, 2024.
Watch all 10 moments
Learn more
The football-friendly Between Two Beers podcast will produce two special episodes discussing all 10 sporting moments in the lead-up to the awards.
Co-hosts Steven Holloway and Seamus Marten will delve into the stories behind the big moments, helping to revive memories of the best moments of 2023.
READ MORE: The Between Two Beers website >>>>
READ MORE: Football-friendly Between Two Beers podcast gains national recognition >>>>
Milly Clegg makes shortlist
Football Fern Milly Clegg is one of five finalists in the Sky Sport Emerging Talent category at the Halberg Awards.
Clegg (18), who played at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and made the full international side, earned a contract with the Wellington Phoenix.
She now plays for A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers.
Finalists in this category are:
- Erice Van Leuven (cycling-mountain bike)
- Julian David (climbing)
- Lucia Georgalli (snow sports)
- Milly Clegg (football)
- Tara Vaughan (canoe racing)
The winners
The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony at Auckland’s Spark Arena on Wednesday February 14, 2024.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on Sky Sport and the free-to-air Sky Open channel from 8pm.
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