Inspirational Murray takes top award
‘‘You can really feel the wairua of humble pride in the whare.’’ Aperahama Kerepeti – Edwards, of Te Poari o Nga¯tiwai
World Champion Black Fern Krystal Murray has been named the supreme winner of the Northland Māori Sports Awards.
‘‘Krystal is a home grown Te Rarawa rugby player, to see her excel on the world stage and win the Women’s Rugby World Cup is outstanding’’ said Aperahama Kerepeti – Edwards, Heamana of Te Poari o Ngātiwai.
Two hundred people packed the glass marquee at the Waitangi National Trust to honour and celebrate Tai Tokerau Māori sporting success.
‘‘You can really feel the wairua of humble pride in the whare’’ said Kerepeti – Edwards.
A record 57 nominations were received across 16 award categories, the biggest number of entrants in the history of the Ngā Tohu Tākaro Māori o Te Tai Tokerau which was hosted this year by Te Iwi o Ngātiwai.
‘‘There is a strong diversity of codes in this year’s finalists, that shows how much Te Iwi Māori is participating and contributing to all codes in our region,’’ Murray said.
Te Iwi o Ngātiwai also introduced a new award for 2023 , Te Tangi a Tūkaiāia – Lifetime Achievement Award to recognise exceptional sports people and legends of Te Tai Tokerau.
Inaugural winner is rugby legend Sid Going. (Ngātiwai, Patuharakeke, Ngāti Whātua), North.
‘‘Our ability to recognise his contribution to rugby as a game but his enduring legacy for our people of the north is an honour. We are grateful his family is here with us to celebrate his life and influence across the generations’’ said Kerepeti-Edwards.
The winners for the Census 2023 Ngā Tohu Tākaro Māori o Te Tai Tokerau are:
Te Tohu Haukāinga Award (Hauora Whānau, Hapū, Iwi Award) sponsored by Far North District Council – Sophy Tua Te Tohu Oranga Hapori (Community Impact Award) sponsored by Whangārei District
Council – Tiaki Te Pā – ‘Hine Tū, Tama Tū’
Te Tohu Oranga Marae sponsored by Te Kahu o Taonui – Waikare Marae & Waikare Research and Development Trust Te Tohu Tākaro Kaiwawao (Sports Official Award) sponsored by Kaipara District Council – Mikayla McKenzie Te Tohu Kaiwhakahaere (Sports Administrator Award) sponsored by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine – Jennifer Pickering (football) Te Tohu Tākaro Taitamawahine (Tai Tamariki Sportswoman Award) sponsored by Ministry of
Education – Waitangi Piripi (waka ama)
Te Tohu Tākaro Taitamatane (Tai Tamariki Sportsman Award) sponsored by Rugby for Life – Brady Rush (rugby) Te Tohu Tākaro Ahungarua (Masters Sportsperson Award) sponsored by Te Puni Kokiri – Jason Reti (waka ama)
Te Tohu Tākaro Kaiwhakangungu (Coaches Award) sponsored by Te Aka Whai Ora – Yvette McCauslandDurie (netball)
Te Tohu Manawaroa (Long Service to Sports Award) sponsored by Tai Tokerau Wānanga – Angeline Waetford (hockey)
Te Tohu Kapa Toa (Outstanding Māori Sports Team) sponsored by Te Poutokomanawa – Herberts on Tour (waka ama) Te Tohu Tākaro Tane (Open Male Sportsperson of the Year) sponsored by the Ministry for Social Development – Joseph Manu (rugby league)
Te Tohu Tākaro Toa Wahine (Open Female Sportsperson of the Year) sponsored by Zespri – Krystal Murray (rugby)