Dafydd Sanders was a finalist at the recent Sport Auckland awards, after a year in which he won the TUNZ national heavyweight title, the South Island and North Island titles and two other titles on the circuit.

He mingled with some of New Zealand's sporting elite including Hamish Carter and aerobics Aitken triplets.

The swanky awards dinner was hosted by TVNZ's Peter Williams and held in the plush function rooms at Eden Park.

Dafydd was one of three finalists in the Maori achievement category, and though he did not win (the award went to Black Sox player Dion Nukunuku) he said he was honoured just to be at the event.

Dafydd and Hamish Carter actually went to the same schools, St Kentigern's intermediate and Auckland Grammar, and Carter was the guest speaker at Dafydd's leaver's dinner at St Kent's.

Dafydd Sanders, right, with Olympic champion triathlete Hamish Carter, at the Sport Auckland awards.

The highlight of Dafydd's night was when Olympic champion, who was also named Auckland's sportsperson of the year, took time out to offer him some advice.