Chance to celebrate Maori sporting achievers

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

NOMINATIONS and sponsors are being sought for the Ease Up Te Tairawhiti Maori Sports Awards 2016.

The event, which honours the cream of Maori achievement and those who contribute to this, will return after an absence of nine years.

Awards co-organiser Vesna Radonich says the awards, set down for September, will be a special gathering.

“It is a time for Maori to come together and celebrate success,” says Radonich, herself a world champion waka ama paddler.

“It is about taking the time to give the acknowledgement, respect and support athletes deserve.

“It is also about supporting our rangatahi and inspiring them to keep achieving.”

The region has an impressive history of Maori success in sport — from core sports like rugby and netball through to the likes of lawn bowls and martial arts.

Tradition also plays a major role, nowhere more so than waka ama, as reflected in the success of Gisborne paddlers at the recent Va’a world sprints.

More than 200 are expected to attend the awards ceremony, which has received backing from local iwi.

Organisers are keen to attract as much sponsorship as possible, and are encouraging all clubs and organisations to nominate athletes.

Tickets for the awards will be available later in the year.

For more information or to nominate an athlete, go to the awards Facebook page Ease Up Te Tairawhiti Maori Sports Awards or email annaleighstills@gmail.com