Whanganui celebrates two new Sports Hall of Fame inductees

Published on 14 March 2025

The Whanganui Sports Hall of Fame is proud to announce the 2025 inductees, celebrating the rich heritage and remarkable achievements of Whanganui's sporting legends.

The Whanganui Sports Hall of Fame was established to recognise and preserve the achievements of the region’s most outstanding athletes, coaches, and sports personalities. Through annual inductions, the Hall of Fame continues to inspire future generations to strive for excellence both on and off the field.

‘It is wonderful to recognise the contribution to sport for Anna and Andrew who will now sit alongside a list of illustrious names already on the list some of whom were born in the 1800’s such as Billy Webb and Moke Belliss.  The addition of two more names into the Whanganui Sports Hall of Fame adds to our rich history in sport across many disciplines who have represented New Zealand and Whanganui on the world stage’ Mayor Andrew Tripe.

‘The Whanganui Sports Hall of Fame is a vital tribute to the region’s rich sporting history, celebrating the achievements of local athletes who have excelled on national and international stages. It not only honours past legends but also inspires future generations to pursue excellence in sports. By preserving these stories, the Hall of Fame strengthens community pride and reinforces Whanganui’s reputation as a powerhouse of sporting talent’ Philippa Baker-Hogan.

Anna Symes (nee Matthews)

Anna Symes was a New Zealand Women’s hockey representative from 1986 to 1990, earning 25 international caps, including appearances at two Hockey World Cups. Born in Whanganui, she made her first representative team in 1985 and was known for her attacking play.

Beyond her playing career, Anna was deeply involved in Whanganui hockey, coaching and mentoring young players, including her daughter Phillipa. She played for various clubs but had a long association with the Collegians. She also competed at the Masters level, winning multiple gold medals with the New Zealand Women’s Masters Hockey 35+ team.

A multi-talented athlete, she won a bronze medal in the 200m at the 1989 New Zealand Track and Field Championships and also played cricket, golf, and tennis.

Anna contributed significantly to developing hockey in Whanganui, coaching school teams, running competitions, and serving as Director of Hockey at Whanganui Collegiate School (2015-2022). Her leadership helped Collegiate’s 1st XI teams rise in national rankings. She also served on the Wanganui Hockey Board of Trustees and was honoured for her contributions at the 2019 Whanganui Sports Awards.

Andrew Donald

Andrew Donald (#828) was a talented halfback who represented the All Blacks in 20 matches, including eight tests, from 1981 to 1984. Born in Whanganui in 1957, he developed his rugby skills at Whanganui Collegiate before making his provincial debut for Whanganui in 1976. Over the next decade, he played 118 games for the province, captaining the side multiple times.

Donald progressed through the representative ranks, playing for the New Zealand Colts, New Zealand U23s, and the North Island before earning his All Blacks debut in 1981 on a tour to France and Romania. He maintained his place in the squad through tours to England, Scotland, France, and Australia, earning seven international caps. He also joined the Cavaliers' unofficial tour of South Africa in 1986.

After retiring in 1987, Donald remained one of Whanganui’s most respected rugby figures, known for his leadership and influence in an era of intense competition for the All Black number 9 jersey.

Nominations for the Whanganui Sports Hall of Fame will open again in late 2025. A full list of Whanganui Sports Hall of Fame members and their citations can be found on the Whanganui District Council’s website: https://www.whanganui.govt.nz/Community-and-Places/Sports-Hall-of-Fame