The awards covered the period from March 1, 1997, to March 31, 1998.
Described variously by sports journalists as ``Batwoman'' and ``Superbat'', Hockley seems to have been almost perpetually in the limelight over the last year.
As well as being the first woman to win the New Zealand Cricketer of the Year award, Hockley took top sportsperson honours at the Canterbury Summer Sports Awards in May for the second year running.
A national representative for 19 years, Hockley stood tall at the last women's World Cup in India, helping the New Zealand team to the final with a batting average of 79, including two centuries.
She also led Canterbury to its 19th national title in the last 20 years.
For the supreme award last night, Hockley held off the rugged Canterbury rugby captain, Todd Blackadder, who took the top sportsman award after leading Canterbury to the NPC first division title.
In the sportswoman category Hockley was up against New Zealand women's hockey captain Anna Lawrence, and world-ranked duathlete Debbie Nelson.
For the sportsman award, Blackadder faced cricketer Chris Harris, middle-distance runner Shaun Farrell, and All Black halfback Justin Marshall.
It was a good night for rugby, Blackadder also collecting the personality award, and the Canterbury NPC squad the team award. As well, Canterbury mentors Rob Deans and Steve Hansen were named as the top coaches.
Nagano Paralympic alpine skiing gold medallist Kevin O'Sullivan was a popular winner of the disabled sportsperson or team award.
The full list of awards was:
Sportsman: Todd Blackadder (rugby).
Sportswoman: Debbie Hockley (cricket).
Sportsperson of Year (over-all winner): Hockley.
Team: Canterbury NPC rugby team.
Junior sportsperson: Kris Gemmell (triathlon).
Junior sportswoman: Helen Norfolk (swimming).
Junior team: Christ's College under-19 rowing eight and Rangi Ruru
under-19 eight.
Disabled sportsperson-team: Kevin O'Sullivan (skiing).
Coach (including referees and umpires): Rob Deans and Steve Hansen
(rugby).
Administrator: Jane Clarke and Avril Enslow (gymnastics).
Personality: Blackadder.
Event promotion: Showtime Canterbury.
Patron's award: Reon Murtha.