Sport Canterbury has confirmed that one of New Zealand’s most inspiring commentators and World Cup winning personalities will make an appearance in Timaru next month. Melodie Robinson was a true pioneer in the Super Rugby world, and brings anecdotes and inspiration to a crowd familiar with the trail she blazed.
 

Robinson has been confirmed as guest speaker for the 2019 Trust Aoraki South Canterbury Sports Awards on Friday 17 May at The Southern Trust Events Centre.

The announcement from Sport Canterbury comes with pride in a year characterised by the Government commitment to address a level playing field – ensuring equal opportunities in participation, and supporting leadership opportunities for women in sport.

“This year, the 53^rd Awards event takes on even greater meaning, giving South Canterbury the opportunity to share insights from a sporting ambassador – someone who arrived in the rugby world as a pioneer, whose courage created a path and example for commentators, both men and women, to follow.”

“Across our region, the Trust Aoraki Sports Award event is highly anticipated by people who believe in what sport means to our communities. In South Canterbury we are fortunate each year to attract guest speakers who bring insights and experience from around the world – with a humour and humble approach that is purely New Zealand.”

Robinson was part of two World Cup winning sides as a Black Fern, also representing New Zealand in Sevens.

Her distinction as a journalist and passion for sports led her to becoming the online sports producer for Xtramsn.co.nz. While working at Xtra from 1998 to 2002, she produced innovative sports websites like allblacks.com and teamnewzealand.com. However she is probably best known for her work as an analyst and commentator of Super Rugby.

A former Miss Canterbury, Robinson’s profile moved to a new level last year when Mattel announced the first ever New Zealand Barbie.

She tweeted: “Seriously cool to be selected to inspire young girls with the first ever NZ Barbie - she’s Maori ... and a commentator! All part of Mattel’s role model program to help girls believe they can be anything.”

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