Sam Smith won Tai Ohi Tane [Secondary School Male] at the 2018 Maori Sports Awards. PHOTOS/FILE
CHRIS COGDALE
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The hunt is on for the region’s top Maori sportspeople, with nominations now open for the 2019 Wairarapa Maori Sports Awards.
This year’s awards, hosted by Whaiora, take in achievements from October 1, 2018 through to September 30, 2019.
The awards were developed in 2007 by the late Jeff Workman to celebrate Wairarapa Maori sporting participation, achievement, and excellence, and to showcase positive role models within the region.
Waka Ama exponent Paddy Rimene dominated the 2018 awards ceremony winning the Tai Pakeke Tane [male athlete], Kaiarahi [coach] and Taumata Hakinakina [overall sportsperson] categories.
Nominations are now open for:
Tai Tamariki Tane – any male who has excelled in one or more sport and attends primary or intermediate school
Tai Tamariki Wahine – any female who has excelled in one or more sport and attends primary or intermediate school
Tai Ohi Tane – any male who has excelled in one or more sport and is of secondary school age [Under-18].
Tai Ohi Wahine – any female who has excelled in one or more sport and is of secondary school age [Under-18]
Tai Pakeke Tane – any male who has excelled in one or more sport
Tai Pakeke Wahine – any female who has excelled in one or more sport.
Kaiarahi – any person involved in coaching, mentorship and professional development
Tino Tautoko – any person who has served as a volunteer
Te Roopu Hakinakina O Te Tau – any team with a majority of members of Maori descent
The winners of each of these categories will be eligible for Taumata Hakinakina, Sportsperson of the Year.
The Jeff Workman Memorial Award [People’s Choice] will also be presented at the award ceremony.
The awards ceremony will be held at Copthorne Solway Park on November 28.