“For over a century, community hockey in the Tairāwhiti region has played a key role in bringing people and cultures together for the love of the game,” said Mr Leslie, a former All Black captain, who went on to become president of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union.
“The YMP Hockey Club, closely associated with the rugby union club of the same name, has provided opportunities for both women and men to participate in an inclusive game which celebrates the values of sport and the importance of tikanga in sport, which is so important to the people of the region.”
NZ Amateur Sport Association chairman Gordon Noble-Campbell said severe weather events in Tairāwhiti had presented sports bodies with many challenges.
“The value of sport in providing people with an opportunity to connect with others despite these challenges is reflective of the values that YMP Hockey Club continues to promote to all of its participants and supporters.”
Te Upoko of te Ika general manager Adrian Tangaroa said community sport was an important way for te reo Māori to become more familiar to a larger number of people.
“This year’s winner demonstrated how this can become an integral part of our overall approach to building health communities through sport.”
YMP Hockey Club has its official centenary dinner at The Vines restaurant tonight. It will include the awarding of life memberships and honorary life memberships (for those who have passed on).
