Margi Kay – Hockey Legacy

Margi Kay has been a dedicated member of the hockey community since 1956, significantly impacting both local and Māori hockey. At 71, she remains an active player in club and New Zealand Masters hockey.

Key Contributions:

• Māori Hockey Advocacy: Margi is a passionate supporter of Māori Hockey, instrumental in establishing Tai Tokerau Māori Hockey and advocating for its relevance to future generations.
• Player Development: She provides vital support to players through equipment and sponsorship and holds various roles, including player, coach, manager, and committee member.
• Leadership: As a member of the NZ Māori Hockey Kaunihera, she contributes to governance and strategic planning, utilizing her knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Dedication: Since 1990, Margi has consistently served Māori Hockey, playing a vital role in its promotion and growth.

Impact: Margi has profoundly influenced young female hockey players, nurturing talent and mentoring aspiring athletes. Her contributions may not be fully documented, but she emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge to secure the sport’s legacy for future generations.

Joy Ripia has been a pivotal figure in NZ Māori Hockey since 2001, when she was appointed Secretary by Margaret Hiha. Over the years, Joy has been an active participant in NZ Hockey, making significant contributions to the community by coordinating fixtures for the NZ Māori Junior Hockey teams and lending her support to various national team events.

Recognized for her humility, Joy places a strong emphasis on acknowledging the achievements of others, showcasing a deep commitment to both her family and the Māori hockey community in her capacity as kaumatua for the NZ Māori Hockey.

Between 2009 and 2013, Joy took charge of travel arrangements for the NZ Māori teams competing in the Pacific Cup in Fiji, while also managing the women’s team. Her leadership during this period culminated in a remarkable Gold medal win in her final year.

Joy’s dedication and impact have not gone unnoticed; she has received three nominations for the NZ Māori Sports Awards, consistently reaching the finals. Her unwavering support and commitment to Māori hockey and its athletes make her an invaluable asset to the organization.

Aroha’s contributions to Waiariki Haupoi Māori and the wider community are a testament to her deep commitment to both the sport and her people. As the poutokomanawa (central pillar) of the region’s Māori hockey community, she has been instrumental in driving the growth and development of the sport in the rohe. Her leadership and passion are evident in her extensive history, which includes years of dedicated service on the Kunihera (committee) and her representation of the New Zealand Māori women’s team.

Her unique distinction as the only player to have competed in every Māori tournament since its inception in 1992 is a remarkable achievement, illustrating her unwavering dedication to the game. This is not just a reflection of her personal skill and determination, but also her strong connection to her community and her desire to uplift Māori hockey at all levels.

Beyond her playing career, Aroha has taken on the important roles of mentor and advocate, shaping the next generation of players and ensuring the legacy of Māori hockey continues to thrive. Her influence extends far beyond the field, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and the community she loves. Aroha’s legacy is one of leadership, service, and an enduring commitment to the development of Māori hockey.

Jubilee Diamond  Edmonds (Koro “The Guv”) 1955 -2020 Kua hinga he totara i te wao nui a Tane.

In Recognition of a Remarkable Career in Hockey and Beyond

We celebrate an extraordinary journey of dedication and achievement in sports and hockey, as we honour our beloved Koro. His nearly 40-year career as a player, coach, supporter, and committee member has made an indelible mark on the local sports scene in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, and Waiariki Māori Hockey.

Koro’s involvement doesn’t stop at hockey; his passion for sports has led him to serve as a coach and umpire in various codes, including rugby, touch rugby, golf, and softball. His summer coaching roles in touch rugby and junior and senior softball have fostered many local talents, some of whom have gone on to represent New Zealand at the highest levels.

Notable Achievements:

• 1985-1990: Koro played goalie for the Men’s Ngapuna Hockey Club team, while simultaneously coaching junior boys’ softball and Rotorua Lakes High School teams in the summer.
• 1990-1995: He took on the mantle of coach for the Waiariki men’s hockey team, and his expertise was recognized as he served as a selector for the New Zealand Māori under-21 men’s teams.
• 1996: Koro proudly represented Bay of Plenty men’s hockey as their goalkeeper.
• 1984-2019: His extensive contributions included playing as a goalie, coaching local hockey teams and Māori teams, and even venturing into rugby for three years. Koro’s work with secondary school girls’ hockey has resulted in many of those players representing the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua.

Throughout his tenure as a coach for the Waiariki Māori men’s team, Koro has inspired numerous players, many of whom have achieved their dreams of becoming Black Sticks and Black Socks.

Even today, he remains an active supporter and photographer, capturing the essence of our athletic journeys and cheering on the next generation of sports stars.

To us, he is affectionately known as Koro; to our aunties and uncles, he is “The Guv.” We could not be prouder of him as he receives this prestigious Life Membership for NZ Māori Haupoi here in Gisborne. It is my honor to invite Koro to the stage to accept this heartfelt recognition.

Kaati ra ko enei nga korero maumahara ana matou, nga, tuakana, tuahine, teina. Ko te tumanako kia tangohia koutou nga mita pai o tenei panui iroto nga maanakitanga Mangai i roto akenei.

This tribute aligns with the Diamond Jubilee Wedding Anniversary of our tupuna, Ngawati and Wirihita Parangi (Subritzky).