They are named for New Zealand former middle-distance runner and Olympic gold medalist Sir Murray Halberg.
The initial award was handed out in 1949, and continued until 1960 under the auspices of the NZ Sportsman magazine.
The annual award was started in 1949 by NZ Sportsman magazine founders Maurice O’Connor and Jack Fairbairn.
The original inscription on the trophy was Fairburn and O’Connors words: "The New Zealand Sportsman's Trophy to be awarded annually to the New Zealand athlete whose personal performances or example, has had the most beneficial effect on the advancement of sport in the country".
[2] The Awards are presented at a dinner which traditionally rotates between the New Zealand cities of Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, and which in recent years has been broadcast live on television.
The awards for 2019 were held on 13 February 2020, prior to COVID-19 pandemic halting large events.
[3] With international sporting events during 2020 affected by COVID-19 pandemic, it was decided to award a decade championship at the 2021 ceremony.
[5] The 59th awards were held on February 23 2022 with audience restrictions because of the COVID-19 red alert level.
[6] The annual award was started in 1949 by NZ Sportsman magazine founders Jack Fairburn and Maurice O’Connor to be awarded annually to the New Zealand athlete whose personal performances or example have had the most beneficial effect on the advancement of sport in New Zealand, as selected by a team of national sporting journalists.