TV Coverage For Prestigious Maori Sports Awards

TV Coverage For Prestigious Maori Sports Awards

Highlights of a unique world-class sports and cultural event will screen on TV One early next month (December).

The 12th annual Maori Sports Awards - at the Taupo Events Centre on Saturday, December 7 - will celebrate the contribution of Maori athletes, coaches, administrators and supporters to New Zealand's reputation as a nation of true sporting champions.

TVNZ's Maori programmes department is producing the one-and-a-half-hour programme which will screen on Sunday, December 8, at either 3.30pm or 10.30pm depending on the America's Cup.

Musician Moana Maniapoto and actor Scott Morrison will present the show with entertainment provided by Hinewehi Mohi, Envoy, Moana and the Tribe and Tuwharetoa Kapa Haka.

Producer Derek Wooster says the Maori Sports Awards is a sporting icon of Maoridom and the pinnacle of Maori sporting success.

"More than a thousand dignitaries, celebrities and sportspeople will witness the extravaganza in Taupo for the first time, and thousands more will be able to enjoy the same show within 24 hours of the event," Mr Wooster says.

Some 30 finalists will compete for awards including top Maori team, coach, administrator and disabled athlete as well junior Maori sportsman and sportswoman. There is also a Maori sports media award for the first time.

Basketball legend Pero Cameron, top golfer Michael Campbell and league star Stacey Jones are in the running for Maori sportsman of the year while the senior sportswoman finalists include Black Fern Farah Palmer, veteran lawn bowler Marlene Castle and rugby player and powerlifter Jackie Buckley-Gray.

The winners compete for the supreme award in memory of the event's founder, Albie Pryor.

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