Wattie's Volunteer Coach of the Year Awards 2007 nominations are now open nationwide.

The 2007 awards feature four categories: student, newcomer, general and lifetime. The awards are open to all non-paid, volunteer coaches including club coaches, school coaches and anyone coaching at a non-representative level. Entry forms available to download on both Wattie's and SPARC websites or from the Regional Sports Trusts.

Nominations close 1 August. Contact Simone Walker 09 379 3154 or 021 301 553. Click here for the online nomination form or click here for the hardcopy version.

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THE finalists for the 2007 Taranaki Maori sports awards have been named. The winners will be announced at a special awards evening in New Plymouth Friday 13 July. The awards will be held at Quality Hotel Plymouth International in New Plymouth. For more info contact maorisports@tihi.co.nz.

The three finalists in the Pakeke Tane, senior sportsman award - are Raymond Luke, Jason Matthews, and Troy Ropiha.

Luke represented New Zealand in Maori rugby league and was also a national touch representative. Matthews has won numerous surfing titles including first in the over-40s division at the nationals in January.

Ropiha represented New Zealand at the Trans Tasman Cup golf tournament and the Tour Nationals Cup.

The three finalists in the Pakeke Wahine, senior sportswoman award - are Abbie Bailey-Nowell, Keisha-Dean Soffe and Kim Hiroti.

Bailey-Nowell captained the Flyers netball team this season. Hiroti was a member of the winning New Zealand mixed touch team to the World Cup. Soffe won the New Zealand weightlifting 75kg plus class for the fifth consecutive time last October.

Only one team has been nominated for the Toa Tira - Maori sports team - award, Ngati Ruanui Rugby League.

The finalists are:

• Kaiwawao - game official award, Sam Tamarapa.
• Kaiako - coach award, Wendy Healey, Benji McAlister, Rangi Hiroti.
• Kaiwhakahaere - volunteer/administrator award, John Niwa, Patsy Broughton, Kim Hiroti, Karen Brooks.
• Taiohi Tama - junior sportsman award, Daniel Brooks, Sean Cressy, Derrin Jesse Puata.
• Taiohi Kotiro - junior sportswoman award, Alanah Cassidy, Lisa Fairclough, Kelly Poa, Ashley Rupapera.
• Pakeke Tane - senior sportsman award, Raymond Luke, Jason Matthews, Troy Ropiha.
• Pakeke Wahine - senior sportswoman award, Abbie Bailey-Nowell, Keisha-Dean Soffe, Kim Hiroti.
• Toa Tira - Maori sports team award, Ngati Ruanui Rugby League.
• Toa Tautoko - contribution and service to Maori sport and recreation, Patsy Broughton, Wendy Healey, Jan Manu, John Niwa.
• Kupu Whakanui - special commendations, Patsy Broughton, Daniel Brooks, Jan Manu, Keisha-Dean Soffe.
• Toa Rongonui - sports call of fame, George Wharehoka, Maurice Crow.

Toki o Te Tau - Taranaki Maori sportsperson of the year 2007 - will be chosen from the finalists of junior sportsman/woman, senior sportsman/sportswoman and Maori sports team.