Maniototo’s Peter Becker has been inducted into the World Curling hall of fame recognising his huge contribution to the sport in New Zealand.

Peter skipped the first national men’s team from New Zealand to compete at the Pacific-Asia Curling Championships in Sagamihara, Japan in 1991.

He went on to represent New Zealand at these championships six times, with the latest being in 2018 as an alternate.

His playing record shows he has represented New Zealand nine times internationally at the World Senior Curling Championships.

Peter’s involvement has spanned roles as a coach, manager, organiser, and team co-selector for a range of competitions, including the Olympic Winter Games, women’s and men’s national, junior sides. He was also one of the main drivers in taking a New Zealand team to the Youth Olympic Games.

He was the secretary of the New Zealand Curling Association from 1995 until 2009 and was also their representative to the World Curling Federation and New Zealand Olympic Committee.

Peter was instrumental in the development of the Naseby Indoor Curling Rink, the first dedicated curling facility in the Southern Hemisphere.

Peter Becker expressed his thanks to his family, friends, and fellow curlers for their support.

"All of you that have encouraged me, helped me, and been there for me - I will be forever grateful for your time and friendship. I must thank my family. My late Dad, Jim, a passionate curler who got me into our great game. My lovely late wife, Wendy, single-handedly inspired us all to achieve. Our children, with their spouses, have all contributed hugely and continue to do so. And to the next generation, I hope that what has happened here will rub off on them, as they face an increasingly difficult world."

"It's very humbling for an 'old' farmer from Patearoa," he added with a grin. "What a great game we are lucky enough to be involved in!"

World Curling Federation president Kate Caithness said she would like to offer her sincere congratulations to the World Curling Hall of Fame 2022 inductees. 

“Their contribution to our sport both on the ice and behind the scenes to develop curling cannot be underestimated.

“The Becker family is synonymous with curling in New Zealand largely due to the remarkable work of Peter Becker throughout the years.

“All of our 2022 inductees are worthy recipients of the Freytag Award, which is the highest honour we can bestow in our sport.”

Peter was inducted together with four Canadian curlers Jan Betker, Joan McCusker and Marcia Gudereit and Ian Tetley.

Peter Becker PHOTO: supplied

The hall of fame honour follows Peter receiving a life membership award of the NZ Curling Association in 2009. 

Peter’s grandson Will Becker recently travelled to Sweden with the New Zealand Under 21 team, proof that curling talent remains strong within the Becker family.

The Naseby indoor curling rink is open all year round. It began operating in 2006 and is often enjoyed by tourists visiting Central. An ice luge, ice skating, ice hockey and outdoor curling are also on offer at the facility.

Curling was introduced by Scottish gold miners to New Zealand, with the first reported game in Maniototo, on July 6, 1878.