Matua Parkinson

Matua Te Atatu Abraham Parkinson (born 4 January 1975) is a New Zealand television presenter and former professional rugby player. He captained New Zealand in the World Sevens Series.

Biography Early life Parkinson was born and raised in the small Bay of Plenty coastal community of Te Kaha, where his father was a crayfisherman. He is of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi descent. The youngest of five siblings, Parkinson is the brother of Japan international Reuben.

Rugby career A dreadlocked openside flanker, Parkinson started his career in the North Harbour sevens team, from where he was recruited by Canterbury-Bankstown to play rugby league, a sport he had never previously played. He spent most of his time at Canterbury-Bankstown in 1998 playing reserves and was granted an early release from his contract to return to New Zealand. Debuting for the North Harbour XV in 1999, Parkinson broke into the Hurricanes lineup the following season, playing five Super 12 games. He was the best player for NZ Maori in their win over Scotland at New Plymouth in 2000. After two seasons with the Blues, Parkinson had a stint in Japan in 2004/05, then on his return to New Zealand played briefly for the Bay of Plenty.

Television Parkinson is a former presenter of Māori Television show Hunting Aotearoa and in 2023 filmed a Sky Open travel series with ex-All Black Carlos Spencer called Lost in France.