MEDIA RELEASE: South America miss out on Wellington journalist

Confirmation has finally been received about where Matiu Workman will spend next year - and it's good news if you live in Auckland.

Workman announced earlier today at a press conference that he will be spending 2011 in the "City of Sails" to take up the position of sports reporter at www.sportal.co.nz.

The offer had been made to Workman earlier this morning, which had been gladly accepted by the student of Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa descent.

It ends the two month long speculation about his future, which at one stage included going to South America in July 2011.

This move looks set to dash those plans.

An emotional Workman was still pinching himself over the announcement.

"Look, sports reporting is something I've had a huge passion for over the last few years. To get an in like this is just incredible.

"I'm waiting for the annoying alarm clock to wake up - this is the dream."

The news will come as a blow to Wellingtonians keen to catch up with the 21-year-old, while his South American friends will have to wait at least another few years before a reunion is thought up.

"I won't be moving away from this job any time soon. I feel sorry for friends, and family especially, who I have been away from for a long time.

"But it won't be forever, and to you South American friends, we will be seeing other again soon, I promise."

But for now, the biggest challenge Workman has to encounter is finishing four assignments by Friday afternoon.

"It'll be an interesting night tonight," Matiu laughed.

"But I'll make sure it gets done. I have to finish with my head high."

Workman begins at his new job on November 15.

ENDS