‘Jim’ claims top sporting accolade

Cult rugby hero Timoci “Jim” Tavatavanawai is the 2025 Marlborough Sportsperson of the Year.

The blockbusting midfielder and winger enjoyed a breakthrough season, his impressive efforts in Super Rugby Pacific rewarded with a call-up to the All Blacks squad, then making his debut wearing the silver fern against France in Wellington.

It was a fitting reward for a player who initially lit up the club scene for Central, starred in the NPC with Tasman, then illuminated Super Rugby with Moana Pasifika and, more recently, the Highlanders.

The man his Central clubmates tagged “The Difference” was unable to attend the prizegiving ceremony at the Marlborough Events Centre on Saturday evening, resting up in Dunedin after minor knee surgery, but sent a personal message via video link.

“I just want to send words of gratitude to those who have been part of my journey,” he said. “Central Rugby Football Club – thank you so much for the opportunity you gave me … Baz and Lisa, thank you for all the love and help, to uncle Bill, cheers for always having space for me whenever I am in town.

“To all the other nominees, congratulations, well done, and to the people of Marlborough, thank you for believing in me and the support. It really means a lot.”
Jim claimed the Greywacke Sportsman of the Year award on his way to the main prize, while US-based rower Meg Flanagan took out the Redwood Trust Sportswoman of the Year. Meg enjoyed a top season on the international scene, capped off by a bronze medal in the four at the world under-23 champs in Poland.

The WK+ Supreme Team of the Year award went to the Marlborough Girls’ College coxless pair of Eliza Glover and Anna Hurren, who won gold in the under-17 division at the Maadi Cup.

Several other categories were celebrated on the night. The Marlborough Weekly Emerging Talent category was hotly contested, with 15 youngsters in the mix. The winners were siblings Finn and Neve McKenzie, who both enjoyed stellar years in their respective cycling events and were considered for the overall award.

The Community Team of the Year was the Marlborough Boys’ College First XI hockey side, who claimed the India Shield at the national champs in Auckland, bringing the trophy back to Marlborough after 37 years.

Several Campbell Gill Bayleys Real Estate Community Heroes were recognised on the night – Vitor Lopes for jiu jitsu, Bob Tate for work with Special Olympics, rugby league’s Charlie Tikotikocana, Susie Wickham from volleyball and Marcelo Gonzales from Stadium 2000.

A popular award, as ever, was the Callahan and Martella Electrical Marlborough Medal, presented for long service and dedication in a particular arena. This year it went to Nicky Bain, a stalwart of the local volleyball scene who continues to give her time so freely to the sport she loves.

Guest speaker on the night was former MBC head boy Ben O’Keeffe, who shared insights into his life as an international rugby referee, while entertaining Sky Sport presenter James McOnie was the MC.