Parkinson to speak at awards

Maori sports and television star Matua Parkinson has been named as guest speaker at the Wairarapa Maori Sports Awards next month.
Mr Parkinson, a past New Zealand Maori All Black and New Zealand Sevens Captain, may also be familiar to television audiences as the "unpredictable character" on Maori Televisions sports programme Hyundai Code, Whaiora Whanui event organiser Perri Tatana said.
Mr Parkinson has played both league and union codes, Ms Tatana said, representing Counties Manukau, Blues, Hurricanes and the Sydney Leagues Bulldogs before capturing a contract to play for Sanix Club in Japan.
"It is great to have a New Zealand sports star attend the awards who will be more than entertaining on the night," Whaiora Whanui CEO Hone Hurihanganui.
Ms Tatana said the calibre of award nominees this year "has been overwhelming with most finalists representing nationally".
She said three finalists have been named for the nine award categories this year with athletes hailing from sports including netball, rugby, swimming and waka ama.
The awards ceremony on December 3 will start at 6:30pm at the Masterton Town Hall "to promote, encourage and celebrate Wairarapa Maori Sporting excellence", she said.
Tables are for sale and may be purchased at Whaiora Whanui in Masterton.