2024 Officials Awards
2024 was another big year for hockey, with our New Zealand officials making their mark both at home and on the international stage.
Technical Lead Colin French along with Hockey NZ would like to extend our huge gratitude and thanks to our officials whanau for their unwavering support and dedication to our sport. Your hard work, passion, and commitment is very much valued and appreciated by us. We wish to acknowledge and celebrate another season with this dedicated community across the motu, and a special shout out to our 2024 winners.
These awards recognise some of the contributions made by our officiating community this season and we’d like to congratulate the following officials:
Most Promising Male Umpire – Hugh Lees (Queenstown, Central Otago)
Known for his ability to keep things clear and simple, executing umpiring fundamentals well and maintaining composure under pressure.
Achievements: 2024 Vantage National U18 Men’s Championship Final Umpire & appointed umpire at the 2024 NHC.
Most Promising Female Umpire – Sara Cox (Christchurch, Canterbury Association)
Sara is highly coachable, continually improving her umpiring skills, with a strong focus on fundamentals.
Achievements: Umpired at the 2024 Vantage National U18 Women’s Championship and Future Black Sticks Camps in October 2024.
Male Umpire of the Year – Gareth Greenfield (Christchurch, Canterbury Hockey Association)
Well known in our hockey community, Gareth is known for his consistency, level-headed approach, and strong player trust.
Achievements: Umpired at the inaugural PHL, including the men’s final with Amber Church. Represented New Zealand at the 2024 Paris Olympics, umpiring the semi-final between India and Germany and serving as a reserve for the Gold Medal match.
Female Umpire of the Year – Amber Church (Gisborne, Poverty Bay)
Another familiar face on the turf, Amber is known for her consistency, strong team collaboration, and accurate decision-making.
Achievements: Winner of Māori Sports Umpire of the Year in 2024. Umpired at the 2024 Paris Olympics, including the Bronze Medal match (Argentina vs Belgium). Umpired the 2024 NHC Women’s Final and at the inaugural PHL (including the men’s final with Gareth).
Technical Official of the Year – Jackie Tomlinson (Palmerston North, Manawatu Hockey)
Jackie is known for her thoroughness, attention to detail, and accuracy.
Achievements: Served as Tournament Director at the Junior Women’s World Cup in Chile and is the Hockey NZ expert on the Altius Tournament Management System. Jackie was also appointed to the 2024 NHC.
Our huge thanks to all of our officials whanau for their dedication and contributions to the game. Your commitment and support continues to elevate the standard of hockey in New Zealand and we’re incredibly grateful to you all!