Manu Toa producing results

STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE: The students of the Manu Toa programme at Manutuke School set big goals and do a good job of achieving them. International success in muaythai, and national recognition in basketball are among the most recent achievements for five of the programme’s students. From left, Jamieson Tapsell, Levi Hune, Ishtar Mackey-Huriwai and Ravyn Simpson. Picture by Shaan Te Kani

It’s no secret that setting goals and hard work are essential for success.

Just ask the students of a special programme at Manutuke School, who are producing results on national and global stages.

Manu Toa is a sports-based programme for Year 5 to 8 students at Manutuke School. It is focused on helping them achieve, not only in their chosen sports, but also in their personal aspirations and goals, learning and development.

International success in muaythai and national recognition in basketball are among the most recent achievements for five students in particular.

Ishtar Mackey-Huriwai is an Oceania Siam Cup title-winner in muaythai, and an IFMA Muaythai World Championship silver medallist in the under-40-kilogram division.

She has also been selected for a Basketball New Zealand development tour — also known as the Koru Tour — for 2018/19.

Jamieson Tapsell and Levi Hune have also been selected for the Koru Tour, with Jamieson also named in the HoopNation Tour 2019.

HoopNation NZ ran a national tournament in November for basketballers from under-14 level through to men’s and women’s elite teams.

The event attracts teams from across New Zealand, Australia and China.

Ravyn Simpson is an IFMA Muaythai World Champs gold medallist in the u42kg division.

Jada Pomana is also an IFMA Muaythai World Champs gold medallist, for the u52kg division.

All five students have competed at the muaythai world champs.

Teacher Mel Mackey said Manu Toa is one of two programmes at Manutuke School that focuses on raising achievement through students’ strengths. Arts-focused Manu Toi is the other.

“It’s not just about playing sports,” she said.

“They look into sports nutrition, fitness and training, and they also research athletes. We started locally. Researching people around our region, to show they can achieve these things from here.”

Setting goals is a major component of the kaupapa, says Mackey, who is also a muaythai champion fighter and coach.

“They set targets at the start of each term. Once they have achieved one goal they have to set another . . . long-term and short-term goals, and the steps to achieving them.

“The programme is also targeted at raising achievement at inter-school sporting events.”

The students shared their thoughts on how Manu Toa had helped them.

“Manu Toa helped me stay fit, eat healthy and get mentally tough so I can survive in the heat when I’m playing,” Jamieson said.

“It has also helped with my confidence. My goal is to make the New Zealand camp.”

Levi said Manu Toa had helped him to run faster, and be fitter and healthier.

“It has also kept me on track with my maths concentration. One day I want to be a teacher, and teach sports.”

Ishtar has also appreciated the improvement in her fitness.

“Manu Toa has helped me stay fit and healthy during the year. But you also believe you can achieve things.

“It helps build confidence in other sports, too. My goal is to one day become a UFC fighter.”

Ravyn also appreciates the fitness aspect and says Manu Toa has helped her achieve goals and set new ones.

“Manu Toa has helped me achieve my goals and get fit. One day I want to be a policewoman.”