Stalwarts’ service honoured

SERVICE AWARDS: Pat Dewes (left) and Josie Morete (right) have received awards from Hockey New Zealand recognising service that between them totals over 90 years in the game here. Poverty Bay chairwoman Julie Hollamby (centre) presented the awards at the turf at Harry Barker Reserve. Picture by Paul Rickard

Hockey stalwarts Patrick Dewes and Josie Morete have received awards from New Zealand Hockey to recognise their long service to the sport in this district.

Morete (also known as Aunty Darling) and Dewes were both inducted last year as Poverty Bay Hockey Association life members for long service to the local hockey community.

Morete’s service to the hockey association spans over 50 years, as a player, coach, manager, umpire and administrator.

“Aunty Darling is an institution of the hockey community here,” association chairwoman Julie Hollamby said.

“She is passionate about, and committed to local hockey.”

Morete received a Services to Sport Award at the Sporting Excellence Awards in 2018.

She began playing hockey in 1968 at Riverdale Primary School, and continued at Gisborne Intermediate School and Lytton High School.

Dewes has served the association across more than 40 years, as an umpire, player, coach and administrator.

“Patrick has made an immense contribution to the hockey community,” Hollamby said.

“He is passionate about, and committed to, local hockey development, as demonstrated in his record.”

Dewes began playing hockey at Gisborne Intermediate in 1976, and continued at Boys’ High and with club sides Lytton Old Boys and YMP.