“After facing all the adversities of the last few years — from the Covid pandemic to Cyclone Gabrielle to the financial struggles that whānau are facing right now — our main objectives were to increase mental, emotional, physical, spiritual and relationship wellness for wāhine,” Ivan said.
“Wāhine are an integral part of the whānau structure. Having an outlet to have fun with their peers surrounded by whānau is important for the long-term prosperity of our rohe (district), their hapori (community) and their whānau.”
The Maurirere brothers took ownership of the bulk of the organisation of the tournament with support from their newly formed Collective members.
The inaugural tournament featured five local clubs — Paikea Whalers, Waikohu, Ūawa Nakawhiti, Waengapu Stallions and Waiapu Kahawai. The format was round-robin games of 20-minutes and the team with the most wins were the victors. The overall winners collected $1000 while the runners-up got $250. The Whalers took the top prize, winning all four of their fixtures, to become the inaugural winners of the Te Taonga a Hinematioro Shield designed and donated by local artist Te Kotuku Tangohau-Brown.
The Shield was in honour of and dedicated to prominent Te Aitanga a Hauiti wāhine rangatira Hinematioro, who was regarded by many as the East Coast Queen.
Waikohu won three matches to finish second.
Ivan said the game between Paikea and Waikohu went down to the wire and was a spectacular display.
“Many supporters cheered them on,” Ivan said. “With the score at 10-all, legend Trish Hina (former New Zealand rugby league, rugby union, softball and touch international) slotted a drop goal for Paikea to take a 11-10 lead.
“Paikea extended that lead with a try with four minutes remaining.”
Waikohu didn’t give up. They fought back to score on the fulltime hooter but missed
the conversion.
Whalers player/manager Teriana Watene said Hina’s experience was invaluable.
“On the field, we are appreciative of having someone like Trish on our team,” Watene said. “She guided and controlled our play, slowing the game down to our advantage. She had the skillset and vision to see the play ahead of time.
“All round, we came together as one whānau and got the job done. We all ended the day privileged to be Whalers representing the club with honour and respect, even with most of our wāhine having debuts for the club or even playing their first game of league.”
“The tournament also showcased some of the emerging talent that have come through the local rugby systems,” Ivan said.
One of those, Waikohu player Princess Tomoana, won Most Valuable Player award and was presented a whale bone taonga and an earrings set donated by local carver Dwayne Turei, as well as $100 cash donation from Mates of Tairāwhiti (MOT).”
Ivan said the atmosphere was “second to none”. There were giveaways, a barbecue, food vendors and lolly scrambles for the kids.
Winning wasn’t the focus of the tournament. It was more about being inclusive, positive sportsmanship and just playing the game.
“As competitive as the games were, the smiles, the congratulating of each other, embracing in a hug after scoring a try, were some of the main highlights for us as the organisers,” Ivan said.
“We look forward to making this an annual event with the prospect of using it as a platform to build a competitive local competition in 2024.”
The brothers would like to thank Te Hiringa Matua, Elgin Butchers, Mates of Tairāwhiti and all other local providers who helped to make this first tournament a huge success.
