Queensland visitors enjoy 'whanau' atmosphere

HOOK AND DRAG: Queensland’s Rhyleigh Brown (right) prepares to drag the ball away from New Zealand Maori under-12 player Moelani Tureia-Siataga during Saturday’s clash at Harry Barker Reserve. Tureia-Siataga was one of four local players, Mia Rickard, Cory Campbell and Berdine Rickard in the Maori team who lost 3-1 on Saturday and 3-1 on Sunday. Pictures by Liam Clayton

HONOURS were shared in the annual hockey exchange between New Zealand Maori under-21 and Queensland Secondary School team on the LJ Hooker Turf at Harry Barker Reserve over the weekebnd.

The Maori boys team, including two local players Kohere Tupara and Thomas Rutene won both games, 2-1 on Saturday and 2-1 on Sunday.

However, the visitors restored the balance with 3-1 victories on both days, against a Maori team that had Maia Rickard, Moelani Tureia-Siataga, Berdine Rickard and Cory Campell in their line-up. Queensland women’s manager Pia Horsfield said the games capped a great time in Gisborne.

“It was good to win both our games against tough oppostion,” Horsfield said.

“But it’s also about the cultural exchange, visiting new places and meeting new people.

“It’s my fourth time coming to New Zealand with the team and Kahu Ripia (New Zealand Maori Hockey chairman and former Gisborne man) and Joy (Ripia) always make us feel part of the family or whanau as they say here.”

“The weather wasn’t the best. It was cold compared with Queenland at this time of the year but like I said the cultural aspect is a big part of our visit and the girls and boys loved that part.

“It was the first time we’ve been to Gisborne and everyone, like our other visits to different parts of the country over the years, were amazing.”

NZ Maori women’s coach Nancy-Rae Turawa — playercoach of the YMP team who won the local women’s premier competition, beating arch rivals GMC — said she was proud of her u-21 team despite the two defeats.

“The team is selected from the national Maori tournament but the girls only came together two days before these games, which makes it hard. They did their best and I was proud of their efforts.

“What we have to look at is developing Maori hockey more and these changes are part of that. We just need more resourses and financial help

“We were very fortunate with the support we received from Tairahwhiti Maori hockey, Turanga Health, LeaderBrand and the local community.”

Kahu Ripi said the local players involved in the games showed there was plenty of good talent in Gisborne.

“There was a lot of skilful play, not just from the local in the men’s and women’s teams but all the players, and it was great to see Maori hockey played in Gisborne, hopefully the first of many other games such as this.”

The Queenslanders were billited at Manutuke marae and were treated to a hangi and kapa haka entertainment.