Maori Sports Awards loom

Maori sporting heroes in Wairarapa will be vaunted at a Masterton ceremony in December from a field of about 80 nominees.
Wairarapa Maori Sports Awards 2008 co-organiser Perri Tatana said the awards are in their second year and aim to promote, encourage and celebrate Wairarapa Maori sporting excellence.
The event is hosted by Whaiora Whanui and will be held at Masterton Town Hall on December 4, with former Wairarapa singer Nik Carlson set to take the stage at the event, she said, which will also feature a guest speaker.
Awards to be made include Male Tai Tamariki, Female Tai Tamariki, Junior Male, Junior Female, Senior Male, Senior Female, Service To Sport, Coach and Sportsperson Of The Year, Ms Tatana said.
Tables for the awards evening go on sale from Monday at a cost of $80 a table for eight people or $70 a table for six, this will cover the cost of food, complementary beverage, entertainment, guest speaker and awards ceremony.
Tickets available from Whaiora Whanui.
Ms Tatana said there have been 80 nominations received for various awards from within the region, which is on a par with those fielded at the inaugural awards last year across codes ranging from rugby to netball to tennis.
There is a strict limit of 30 tables that will be put on sale, she said, and organisers are very grateful for the support shown for the event by sport clubs, businesses and organisations in the region.