Sport NZ has received permission to share this tribute video dedicated to the players, whānau and hapori of Toa Hockey.

The spirit of mana motuhake and whanaungatanga filled the room at this year’s Āti Awa Toa Wellington Regional Sports Awards, where iwi-led excellence in sport and community wellbeing took centre stage. The event honoured rangatira, taiohi, kura and clubs from Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Te Rūnanga o Te Āti Awa, celebrating those who are shaping the future of sport through kaupapa Māori. 

Among the recipients was Dr Lara Andrews, a trailblazing athlete and academic whose global softball career and unwavering commitment to kaupapa Māori earned her the award, He Tohu Hono ki Tōna Hapori. 

“This award isn’t just for me, it’s for my whānau, my iwi and everyone who believes in the power of kaupapa Māori to transform lives,” said Dr Andrews. 

Kalae Kenny, a rising basketball star, was recognised with He Tohu Taiohi Hono ki Tōna Hapori, for his outstanding sporting achievements and leadership, representing the next generation of Māori excellence. 

Te Āti Awa honoured Matiu Tahi, a respected Tūhoe elder and mau rākau leader, whose dedication to cultural revitalisation continues to inspire rangatahi. They also celebrated Te Ara Whānui Kura Kaupapa o Ngā Kōhanga Reo, whose initiatives like ‘Bikes in Schools’ and ‘Taonga Tākaro’ are nurturing confident, culturally grounded leaders from a young age. 

Ngāti Toa paid tribute to the Toa Hockey Club, a 95-year-old taonga of Māori hockey, with He Tohu Arohanui ki te Tangata, for its enduring legacy of whānau connection and community pride. 

These awards reflect the strength of iwi-led leadership and the transformative impact of kaupapa Māori approaches to sport and wellbeing. They also align with Sport New Zealand’s He Oranga Poutama investment and the Mauri Ora outcomes in Te Pākē o Ihi Aotearoa, the Māori outcomes framework. It highlights the connection of hauora for Māori through physical activity that is grounded in cultural practices and ways of doing things. 

“These stories are a powerful reminder that when Māori lead, communities flourish. Physical activity is more than sport and competition, it’s connection, culture and collective wellbeing,” said Trina Henare, Kaiārahi He Oranga Poutama.