Porirua rugby legend Jerry Collins has been inducted into the Sports Legends of Wellington.
The late All Black was one of four sporting greats inducted during the 2026 Āti Awa Toa Wellington Regional Sports Awards, alongside Trish Hina, Rodney So’oialo and Irene van Dyk.
Collins grew up in Porirua and became one of the city’s most celebrated sportspeople, playing for Northern United before representing Wellington, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks.
He played 48 Tests for New Zealand and captained the All Blacks three times.
Collins died in a car crash in France in 2015, aged just 34. The following year Porirua Park was renamed Jerry Collins Stadium in recognition of his contribution to Porirua and rugby.
His induction capped a strong night of recognition for Porirua’s sporting community.
Porirua-based TOA Waka Ama received Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira He Tohu Arohanui ki te Tangata, recognising its contribution to culture, community and collective achievement.
Yvanni Gibson received Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira He Tohu Taiohi Hono ki tōna Hapori. Nuku Ora described Gibson as a rising basketball star already making a mark internationally.
Porirua was also strongly represented among the finalists for Club of the Year.
Porirua City Aquatics Incorporated and Whitby Tennis Club were two of the four finalists, alongside Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards and eventual winner Ulalei Wainuiomata Netball Club.
Porirua City Aquatics operates from Cannons Creek and Te Rauparaha Arena pools, providing learn-to-swim, club and competitive swimming programmes.
The awards were held at Wellington College on 20 August and recognised athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs and community leaders from across the greater Wellington region.
More than 100 nominations were received across 11 award categories.