All Black halfback Piri Weepu has been named the winner of Marae Investigates' Nga Toa Whakaihuwaka Maori of the Year 2011 award.
Having already claimed two national Maori titles, collecting Maori Rugby Player of the Year and Maori Sports Person of the Year for 2011, Weepu beat out 27 other finalists, covering 9 categories, as people who have increased the mana of Maori in 2011.
Weepu also took out the Sport category, pipping champion kayaker's Sam Sutton and Lisa Carrington to the post.
The award winners were announced this morning on TV ONE's Marae Investigates, with Weepu accepting the award from presenter Scott Morrisson.
A humble and soft-spoken Weepu said he was overwhelmed when he was presented with the carved greenstone award.
He said the Rugby World Cup had given him the opportunity to represent New Zealand and Maori culture on an international stage.
"The only time I feel I'm representing Maori is when I'm doing the Haka.
"That's my opportunity to show everyone this is my culture and what I'm very passionate about. "
The award recognises Weepu's efforts throughout 2011, from leading the All Blacks haka to dominating play in the World Cup semi-final against Australia and going on to win the Webb Ellis trophy.
Weepu's form throughout the World Cup earned him cult status around the country as he became an internet sensation with his name and image reproduced on countless t-shirts.
Other nominees included singers Tiki Taane and Ria Hall, anti-child abuse campaigner Cherie Sweeney and the organisers of the Iron Maori Endurance Event.
