Hastings teen motorcyclist Codie Irwin remembered through polo, the sport he loved

Montel Nathan, Richard Kettle (holding the memorial trophy), Ayeden Archer, Elizabeth Aneterea, Satriani Hokianga (holding photos of Codie) and Zelavauhn Douglas. Photo / Duncan Brown

A Flaxmere teen killed in a motorcycle accident has been memorialised through the animals and game which fired his passion.

Codie Irwin, 16, was killed on January 25 when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a light truck on Stock Rd, Bridge Pa.

On Tuesday, spectators gathered to watch the final game of the Birchleigh Polo Club programme's season, and the presentation of the Codie Irwin Memorial trophy to the winning team.

The teen had a love of horses which grew during his time in the Birchleigh Polo Club programme, aimed at helping at-risk youth stay on the right side of the law.

His friends and family were among those yesterday watching this year's cohort of Flaxmere students play at the Pakipaki club grounds.

His mother, Charlene Tipu, said it was nice to think her son would be remembered through the trophy, and the animals he loved so much.

"We feel honoured. He'd be loving it," she said. "He had a real passion for horses, for anything outdoors."

Her nephew Satriani Hokianga had been part of the 16-year-old's cohort, and played in yesterday's game "for Codie", she said.

Codie Irwin's love of horses grew during his time in the Birchleigh Polo Club programme, which he started in the 2012/2013 season. PHOTO/Supplied.

Programme co-ordinator Richard Kettle said they decided to start the trophy as a way to commemorate the "likeable character", and something special to end the season.

He thought Codie would be delighted about the trophy.

"He'd have a grin from ear to ear. He'd take it seriously too, he'd say, 'I'm going to play to win'."

Codie had been part of a "really good group of boys" in the 2012/2013 cohort. Although he didn't find the game as easy as some of the others, he'd been determined to master it, Kettle said.

During the season - which runs from about September to March - students are taught how to play polo, and basic equine skills - from saddling a horse, to hosing them down.

The programme made a "huge difference" with the kids involved, and could act as an incentive for good behaviour, Kettle said.

"Part of it is giving them a real challenge. The kids that come to something different like this, they learn if they treat the horse well, they get so much back from it. And if they go back into the community and treat people the same, they'll get the same response.

"It doesn't take long to see change in the kids."

Police said investigations into the January crash were still ongoing.

A roadside memorial for Codie Irwin who died following the crash on Stock Rd, Bridge Pa, Hastings.