The morning field assemble for the Māori Matariki golf tournament at Pātutahi course last June. The inaugural tournament has won a category at NZ Golf's national awards.
The morning field assemble for the Māori Matariki golf tournament at Pātutahi course last June. The inaugural tournament has won a category at NZ Golf's national awards.
A golfing celebration of Matariki and what it means to Tairāwhiti and its people has been recognised at Golf New Zealand’s national awards for 2025.
The Pātutahi Golf Club-hosted Māori Mataraki Tournament held on June 20 was named winner of the Event of the Year (community participation).
“Originally planned asa trial event capped at 80 players, it sold out within 12 hours and ultimately welcomed 146 participants aged 9 to 84, drawn from all nine local clubs and travelling teams from across the motu,” NZ Golf said in announcing the winners on its website.
“The event’s ‘whakanuia’ (celebrate) team format was designed to honour individual contribution regardless of ability, with every team required to include at least one wahine and one Māori player, resulting in women’s participation exceeding 40%.
Did she or didn't she? You'll have to ask Lynne Holmberg (back left). Whatever happened, the Māori Matariki tournament last June was a huge success and NZ Golf acknowledged that in naming it the Event of the Year (community participation) category winner in its 2025 national awards.
“Whanaungatanga was at the heart of the day, with music, hospitality and a prize table that recognised achievement at every level.”
Such was the popularity of the tournament, driven by Pātutahi ladies club captain Kennedy Sarich and a committed team, it was ambitiously decided to extend numbers on the country course.
That resulted in a long day for the afternoon crowd, several finishing in the dark, but it mattered little. It was the wairua of the event that mattered more.
Visitors came from as far north as Waitangi, a team from Te Teko made the journey south and every club in the Tairāwhiti region was represented.
“Some great golf played on the day, with people taking advantage of the beautiful weather and a competitive field, going home with a full puku and a sore face from all the laughs,” Pātutahi Golf Club said in a Facebook post the day after the tournament.
Organisers extended their gratitude to all involved, including sponsorship which contributed to an $8000 prize table.
“You guys are all amazing and the day wouldn’t have been possible without everyone doing their part on the day.
“And the players. What a turn-out. It was a long day out there but you guys grinded, and to see some of you committed to finishing up in the dark because you were having such a fun time was beautiful to see.”
Enjoying a cold one on a glorious June day at the Māori Matariki golf tournament last year are (from left) Calypso Hindmarsh, Kylie Kahukiwa, Laice Jackson, Aroha Tito, Skylah Pohatu, Maraea Wesche, Kennedy Sarich and Lynne Holmberg.
Golf New Zealand described the tournament as “a deeply meaningful winner” of the category, which also featured Pupuke Golf Club’s She Loves Golf Chip and Sip programme as a finalist.
"The awards shine a light on the people and organisations who go above and beyond, not just to grow golf, but to strengthen the communities built around it," Golf NZ said.
“From world-class performances on the global stage to tireless volunteers who show up week after week at their local club, this year’s winners represent the full depth and diversity of New Zealand golf.”
Golf NZ chief executive Jeff Latch said the winners “reflect the depth of passion, innovation and commitment that exists right across the golfing community ... and we’re incredibly proud to celebrate their contribution to the sport”.
Sarich said Golf NZ told her a representative would be coming to Gisborne to present the award “at a later date”.
She also confirmed it would be run again this year with a “slightly cut-down field”.
The NZ Golf awards featured 13 categories, including club of the year (Nelson), male golfer of the year (Ryan Fox) and female golfer of the year (Lydia Ko).
