On 20 September, Kia Toa Hokitika had the pleasure of hosting the South Island Māori Netball tournament here in Hokitika. Attending clubs were Whangaraupō, Pīpīwharauroa (both from Ōtautahi) and Te Ahikāroa (from the Blenheim and Kaikōura Netball clubs).
The day began with a pōwhiri followed by a march from all participating teams and then the games. The weather held for us and as the day progressed we had time for a fun game of netball. Kaumātua, whānau and supporters alike, got out there to enjoy some game time and a few good laughs.
The day concluded with a banquet dinner held at the Hokitika Boys Brigade Hall, where all clubs and whānau came together one last time to share some yummy kai, kapa haka and the presentation of trophies.
Kia Toa Hokitika would like to give a big mihi to the South Island Māori Netball Association, all the clubs that travelled, Ngāti Waewae and Makaawhio Rūnaka, the Hokitika community and all our whānau who helped make the tournament a success. Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa. We look forward to the 2015 tournament.
The South Island Māori Netball Tournament was recently hosted in Hokitika by local club, Kia Toa Hokitika and was a huge success. Four teams, a mammoth fundraising effort and a very strong support network showcased Poutini manaakitaka at its best. It was a great day of netball.
Wāhine during the Māori netball tournament.
South Island Māori Netball Tournament
This year the tournament was held in the takiwā of Ngāti Waewae, Hokitika. The Pīpīwharauroa Netball Club left Christchurch, on Friday 19 September, with our very own president of the tournament, Mathias Pitama.
The girls were really excited about going away this year and we were all ready to march, play netball and perform as a kapa in the culture competition.
Saturday morning brought wind and rain for the pōwhiri, so the marching was held in the hall at the Westland High School. Pīpīwharauroa Midgets, coached by Melanie Taite-Pitama marched with pride to Māori Battalion and won the marching trophy.
Our juniors, coached by Maurice-Corey Andrews, looked beautiful in their uniforms and saluted the judges all in-time.
The sun came out after we had karakia and the netball had started. There was excitement in the air as the senior grade started with a hiss and a roar.
Our midgets and juniors played at the same time and they both played outstanding games. Our midgets won the first round against their fiercely competitive opponents, Kia Toa. Our juniors weren’t so lucky but they played really well in the second half.
This year our midgets won the netball trophy and they also shared the ‘best-behaved’ trophy along with Kia Toa and Whangaraupō.
This year our juniors were a new team but they had an outstanding win over Kia Toa and took out second place in the marching.
The players’ parents took part in a game of lunch time netball. Renee Cridland, Hamuera Reuben and Jasmine Mansfield were all stand-out players.
On our arrival to the banquet, it was easy to see we were in for a good night. The tables were laid beautifully and both the primary and secondary schools were ready to entertain us along with the DJ, who was playing plenty of our favourite songs.
After our hākari and pudding the girls were dressed and ready to perform. They were excited because they had been practising not for a few weeks. Everyone said the girls were amazing. Mīharo kē koutou.
During the prize-giving there was a lot of clapping and cheering, especially when Pīpīwharauroa won back the Te Ari Pitama Kapahaka Trophy.
The girls totally deserved to win and were beaming with pride again. All-in-all an excellent weekend with many memories and some fantastic results. Kei whea mai kōtiro mā.
We would like to mihi Aunty Patricia Anglem, who wasn’t able to be with us this year. You were really missed Aunty Pat and were our motivation to bring home lots of trophies. We would also like to mihi the hosts, Kia Toa. The tournament was well run thanks to your dedication and commitment to the kaupapa. Pīpīwharauroa certainly has a challenge to meet the benchmark you all set.
Until next year koutou when Pīpīwharauroa will once again have the pleasure of hosting The South Island Māori Netball Tournament.