The New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1990 as part of the celebrations to mark New Zealand's 150 years of organised settlement. In the first year, 75 of New Zealand's greatest sports achievers were inducted - one for every two years of nationhood.
Inductions now take place at least every two years.
Generally, sports people need to have been retired for five years from active international competition to be eligible for induction.
Inductions are decided by a panel of nine comprising three inductees, three representatives of sports and three members of the news media.
Nominations for induction can be made by anyone, using the appropriate form that is available at the Hall.
Until 1998, the Hall was just an office and a dream in Wellington but after canvassing local body interest throughout New Zealand, the Hall accepted the offer by the Dunedin City Council to house itself in the railway station.
Refurbishment of the upper northern wing was undertaken by the city council and the Hall took possession on February 1, 1999. It opened to the public in July 1999.
The Hall is an incorporated society and its administration consists of a board of governors and a management committee. Election of governors is held annually on a rotation basis.
Patron
Board of Governors
- Stuart McLauchlan (Chairman)
- John Beattie
- John Bezett
- Graeme Crosby
- Joan Harnett-Kindley
- David Howman
- Shelley McMeeken
- Sir Bryan Williams
Management committee
- Stuart McLauchlan (chairman)
- John Bezett
- Joan Harnett-Kindley