The Tūranganui a Kiwa Under-14 mixed team went unbeaten through the Tamariki Māori national tournament, scoring 56 points and conceding 17. Back row (from left) are Tanya Waru (manager), Te Oranga Hape, Israel Ruru, Darell Wanoa, Jobe Takarangi, Uira Reihana, Wiremu Kaa, Ollie O’Connell and Wiremu Kaa (coach). Front: Kahurangi Kaa, Cera-Maree Edwards-Biddle, Halo Ngarangione-Whaitiri (No 1 supporter), Kyree Ngarangione-Whaitiri, Olive Moleta, Tennessee Sinton, Shiloh Repia-Barbarich.
The Tūranganui a Kiwa Under-14 mixed team went unbeaten through the Tamariki Māori national tournament, scoring 56 points and conceding 17. Back row (from left) are Tanya Waru (manager), Te Oranga Hape, Israel Ruru, Darell Wanoa, Jobe Takarangi, Uira Reihana, Wiremu Kaa, Ollie O’Connell and Wiremu Kaa (coach). Front: Kahurangi Kaa, Cera-Maree Edwards-Biddle, Halo Ngarangione-Whaitiri (No 1 supporter), Kyree Ngarangione-Whaitiri, Olive Moleta, Tennessee Sinton, Shiloh Repia-Barbarich.
Two titles at the Tamariki Māori nationals highlighted a 2025-26 season of growth, courage and collective pride for Tūranganui a Kiwa Touch Association.
“Under-10 through to Under-16 Tairāwhiti youth carried the region’s mana proudly,” Tūranganui a Kiwa Touch chairman Henry Lamont said.
“[But] this season was never just aboutthe scoreboard. It was about early mornings and long drives; about shared kai and shared laughs; about learning how to lose with grace and win with humility.
“It was about tamariki discovering their voices on the field, trusting their teammates and understanding that when they pull on a Tūranga jersey, they carry more than themselves — they carry whakapapa, whānau and kaupapa.”
Tūranganui a Kiwa won titles in the U10 girls’ and U14 mixed grades at the Tamariki Māori nationals held in Ngāruawāhia.
The U10 girls' division-winning Tūranganui a Kiwa team delivered "a story that will be told for years to come". Back row (from left) are Te Aomihi Heeney, Ripeka Heeney, Tahumanawa-Ora Hape, Indi Phillips, Madison Houkamau and Amaia Carmichael. Front: Rebecca Fleming, Milly Houkamau, Beaudene Humphries, Miringa Nepe-Apatu (co-captain), Asher Smith (co-captain), Rio Pardoe and Letty Porter-Wood. Absent: Mia Craft-Chemis.
Lamont said the U10s “delivered a story that will be told for years to come ... a journey from nerves and uncertainty to confidence, composure and national glory”.
“Their campaign began with butterflies and honesty – some girls admitting they were scared before their first game – but that vulnerability quickly turned into belief after a strong opening win.”
The girls were second in their pool with two wins, a draw and a loss. They beat Raukawa ki Waikato 2-1 in their semi-final, then defeated Ngāti Maniapoto with a 4-0 performance that Lamont described as “a masterclass”.
“Calm, connected and quietly confident, the girls dominated territory and possession. Their defence was relentless, their communication clear and their belief unshakeable.”
The U14 mixed team went through the tournament unbeaten, winning all five of their pool games, whitewashing Kaweitiki 9-0 in “a dominant” semi-final and finishing with “a composed” 5-2 win over Te Rangitaupi in the final.
“Across the tournament, they scored 56 points and conceded just 17, a testament to disciplined defence, sharp attack and deep connection,” Lamont said. “Their championship was earned through belief, sacrifice and collective effort.
“Their campaign stands as one of the most powerful stories of the season. Despite rising costs, geographical isolation and limited access to high-level competition, their result was extraordinary.”
Tūranganui a Kiwa also fielded teams in the U10 boys’ grade, U12 girls and boys, U14 boys and a U16 mixed team.
Lamont said their 2026 season told “a powerful story of kaupapa, connection and community”, culminating in “a rohe proudly represented on the national stage”.
“With confidence soaring, lessons learned and belief firmly rooted, Tūranganui a Kiwa Touch is building something special.
“The journey continues, the fire burns bright, and the best is still to come.”
