Well-known Kiwis including Gareth and Jo Morgan, Hayley Westenra, Ali Mau, Mike McRoberts, Carly Flynn and Roger Hall will be encouraging New Zealanders to shop for a gift that counts.

TVNZ News has been able to add the most prestigious prize in sports journalism to a record haul of honours in 2009.

Young people in Auckland will have a chance to challenge themselves across a range of sports and activities thanks to the new Break-Away school holiday programme.

Wellington, Dec 2 - New Zealand Football (NZF) has launched a trio of national talent centres to speed up the progress of its soccer teams on the world stage.

Sports codes should consider the needs of migrants if they want to attract players and supporters, says a new report by sociologist Professor Paul Spoonley.

Wellington, Nov 29 NZPA - National women's soccer league results today:-

Mainland Pride 2 (Georgia Goulding, Aimee Phillips) Capital Football 2 (Yumi Nguyen, Renee Leota). Halftime: 1-1.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 27 NZPA - The All Blacks' mental strength will get its sternest test here on Sunday (NZT), with some admitting France present the tourists' toughest motivational assignment of their rugby season.

Wellington, Nov 24 NZPA - Junior soccer teams around New Zealand will be the first benefit from New Zealand's World Cup qualification windfall, with 3500 newly trained coaches for the 2010 winter season.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 23 NZPA - Ma'a Nonu can brush off defenders as well as anyone. But this was more persistent than any test rugby opponent.

New Zealand sport is returning to form. This was symbolised by the All Whites qualifying for soccer's World Cup last weekend.