Hundreds of young people celebrated at 2026 Unison Medal Ceremonies
Patrick Kupa, Hereworth under 10s rugby player, receiving his 2026 Unison medal.
More than 530 junior hockey, netball, football and rugby players were recognised at the 2026 Unison Medal Ceremonies held at Toitoi, Hastings Arts and Events Centre this week, marking the 18th year of the Unison Medal initiative, part of Unison's Greatest Supporter Programme. A further 24 Unison Medals were awarded to junior hockey players in Taupō this season, reflecting the programme’s reach across Unison’s regions.
Unison Networks (Unison) provides critical network infrastructure delivering electricity to the communities of Hawke’s Bay, Taupo and Rotoroa and the 2026 Medal Ceremonies are at the heart of Unison’s Greatest Supporter Programme which helps young people across these communities to participate in junior sport and develop skills and values that team sport embodies, while learning how to stay safe around electricity.
The annual ceremonies recognise junior players who demonstrate discipline, fair play and great work ethic both on and off the turf, court and field in their chosen sport including football, hockey, netball and rugby, with nominations made by coaches and club officials.
Unison Group General Manager Customer, Commercial and Regulatory, Jason Larkin, said the ceremonies remain one of the community highlights of the year for the consumer-owned company.
"Every year we’re inspired by the calibre of junior players recognised through the Unison Medal programme. These awards celebrate the values that make sport such an important part of our communities, teamwork, respect, commitment and a positive attitude, while also helping to share life-saving information about staying safe around Unison’s electrical assets.”
"The Unison Medal isn't about being the highest scorer or the standout athlete. It's about recognising the players who support their teammates, give their best effort and lead by example. Those qualities help create strong sporting environments and strong communities."
Mr Larkin said the programme continues to be an important way for Unison to support young people across Hawke's Bay, Taupō and Rotorua while also sharing important electrical safety messages with families.
"As a company that provides critical network infrastructure delivering electricity to local communities, we're proud to invest in initiatives that support the safety, wellbeing and development of tamariki across our regions. Seeing the excitement on the faces of the medal recipients, and the pride from their whānau, is what makes these ceremonies so special."
Special guests from across Hawke’s Bay’s sporting community joined the celebrations, helping to recognise and inspire the young recipients and their families. Guests included players from the Napier City Rovers Federation League Women, Taradale Central League Men and Napier City Rovers National League Men football teams; Emily Crowther from Napier Girls' High School; Candis Timms from All In Netball Club; hockey representative Connor Harvey and Rosa Angland; Hawke's Bay Magpies players Jacob Devery, Hugh Renton and Bryson Ioane.
Since launching in 2009, the Unison Medal initiative has recognised thousands of young people who demonstrate the values of good sportsmanship, dedication and teamwork, reinforcing the Greatest Supporter Programme's focus on supporting positive community outcomes throughout Unison's regions.
Patrick Kupa from the Hereworth Under 10 Rugby team who received his Rugby medal on the Thursday night said “I feel really proud, thankful and its nerve wracking all at the same time. So cool to get a medal, I’m going to keep it on my wall above my bed at my school!”