Teen Haira takes netball umpiring to next level

The umpiring career of 14-year-old Makoura College student Te Kapua Haira stepped up another notch over Queen's Birthday Weekend.

Haira officiated at the U15/U17 Marj Jenden Regional Tournament held in Hataitai, Wellington, and earned the distinction of umpiring the U15 final between Wanganui and Wellington, a team coached by former Silver Fern Sandra Edge, alongside New Zealand umpire Jess Lea.

His standard of umpiring was such that he was awarded the umpire's trophy for the U15 grade at the conclusion of the event; the youngest to gain this distinction in the region.

"Receiving the trophy was really great. I was rather overwhelmed," Haira said.

"I couldn't have done it without the help of [Wairarapa College teacher] Maryanne Stuart. She has been such a help to me."

He also umpired at the Lower North Island secondary schools championships in Wellington last year; the youngest umpire to officiate at the tournament.

The multi-talented teen is also an accomplished player.

He received special dispensation to take the court this season for Makoura College's premier netball side, the only male to play in the premier division grade.

He has ambitions to go further with his netball umpiring and is working towards gaining his regional theory qualification by sitting the relevant exam this August, with the aim of gaining his regional practical qualification after that.