A hockey umpire who learned his trade in Gore has been judged the best in the world.

Gareth Greenfield was named men's umpire of the year at the International Hockey Federation's Hockey Stars Awards in Doha, Qatar, presented on the eve of the federation's 50th congress in late October. He is the first New Zealander to win the award, according to the Otago Daily Times, which reported the honour on Wednesday.

The FIH said Greenfield had been an international umpire since 2010 and had worked World Cups, Olympic Games, the Pro League, continental championships and junior World Cups. The award recognised his appointment to the final of this year's men's World Cup in Belgium.

In a statement published by the federation, Greenfield described the award as "an absolute privilege" and said it capped off an unforgettable year.

That year peaked at the end of August in Wavre, where Greenfield took charge of the men's World Cup final, something no New Zealander had done before. Germany beat Spain 1-0 to retain their title. Speaking to the ODT afterwards, Greenfield said the appointment was something an umpire works towards for a long time and that very few people get the chance to officiate a World Cup final. He admitted to a few tears and thanked his family, friends and the support team at home.

Two other New Zealanders, David and Jackie Tomlinson, worked the same final as video umpire and timing judge. Gisborne's Amber Church umpired the women's final in Amsterdam, giving New Zealand officials a hand in both deciders.

Greenfield, who now lives in Christchurch, reached 100 international matches earlier this year, earning the golden whistle that marks the milestone. Hockey New Zealand said his first test was a New Zealand-Chile match at Pukekohe, and that highlights since have included India against Malaysia in front of a raucous home crowd at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and a semifinal at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Asked by Hockey New Zealand what he would tell young umpires, he said the key was to keep enjoying it, because anyone who stopped enjoying the job would not stick with it.

Scotland's Sarah Wilson won the women's umpire award for a third time. Argentina dominated the playing categories, with Sofía Cairó and Tomás Domene named players of the year after their country's World Cup success.

His award adds to a strong run for Eastern Southland sport this week. Gore also hosted the New Zealand ice figure skating championships and the Southern Slam national pickleball tournament, while the town's hockey turf is being resurfaced for the first time in 16 years.