MEDIA STATEMENT
The Hon Dr Pita Sharples
Maori Party Co-Leader | MP for Tamaki Makaurau
28 February 2013

Sharples Welcomes News Of Gail Parata’s Appointment As Scotland’s Netball Coach

Co-Leader of the Maori Party, Dr Pita Sharples is over the moon that Gail Parata (Ngā Ruahine Rangi, Ngāti Ruanui) has been appointed as the new National Coach for Netball Scotland and congratulates her for achieving this milestone in her career.

“I am so pleased for Gail and her whānau, that she has been given this new position,” said Dr Sharples. “She is a world-class coach and has had extensive experience here in Aotearoa working for both our National Silver Ferns team and for many regional and premier teams.”

“She has been recognised as Wellington Region’s netball coach of the year three times, a key coach for the Northern Mystics and Pulse and was also a wonderful netball player who was a member of both the New Zealand Silver Fern Netball Team and the New Zealand Aotearoa Māori Netball Team.”

“Gail has been tasked with leading the Scottish Thistles into the next Commonwealth Games in 2014. It’s a very big job and I know that Gail will rise to the occasion.”

“It is always wonderful to hear of New Zealanders doing well internationally and while she may now be leading the Scottish Thistles netball team, she was taught everything she knows right here in Aotearoa.”

"In addition to her extensive coaching experience, Gail has previously worked for Parekura Horomia during his time as Minister of Māori Affairs and is currently based at New Zealand Māori Tourism."

"I have no doubt that her colleagues are pleased with her new appointment and I extend my warmest congratulations to her and wish her well in this new role.”

ENDS

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