Author: Tracey Harkess

NPEC Whakataetae Eke Ngaru Kura Tuatahi 2023 

Posted on by Tracey Harkess

The first ever surfing competition in Ngati Porou for primary schools was more than just catching waves, it was about connecting whānau to Taiao and the Moana through the shared experience of surfing. 

Ninety tamariki from nine schools took part, as far as Mangatuna in Uawa and all the way from Te Kura Mana Māori o Maraenui in the Opotiki district, two hours away from Wharekahika where the event took place. 

“My wairua is overflowing, I can’t even put it in words” said Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti Manawakura Advisor Shyla-Drew Taiapa.  

“What I took away from this day was oranga Taiao, oranga whānau – healthy environment, healthy family, our whānau reconnecting with the Taiao and remembering how our Taiao can sustain us holistically. The impact that this resource (surfboard container) has provided for our whānau here in Wharekahika and other surrounding communities all along the coast from Ruatoria to Maraenui is huge. Toddlers, teenagers, to 65 year old pākeke utilise the gear. I have loved seeing whanau especially the dads out there day in and day out practicing with their whānau.” 

A container, of 20 surfboards and 60 wetsuits, is located at Wharekahika beach as part of an initiative by the Gisborne Boardriders Club to be able to provide surfing opportunities for communities that otherwise would have barriers to participate due to access. There are two other surfboard containers located in Tokomaru Bay and Waipiro Bay that were funded by Trust Tairāwhiti.  

“We are incredibly proud to see our vision coming to life, tamariki and whānau connecting with the Moana and each other sharing the stoke.” said Gisborne Boardriders Club Surfing Development Manager Flo Bub. 

“This wouldn’t be possible without the local champions such as Shyla-Drew Taiapa from Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti. We are here to help them on their journey running surfing programs and initiatives by themselves. We have learned that there’s lots more appetite from communities around the cape and we are looking forward to duplicating what we have done the last few years up the coast. Share the stoke.” 

Each school entered a team, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Mangatuna, Makarika School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Waiu, Ngata Memorial College School, Pae o Te Riri, Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kawakawa Mai Tawhiti, and Te Kura o Potaka, Te Kura Mana Māori o Maraenui, with some schools entering two. 

Each team was made up of five participants. Each team had twenty minutes for all participants to catch a maximum of two waves. Teams were scored on their time – teams received extra points for finishing early, stance, pop up on the board, how long they rode the wave and their ‘stoke’ (how stoked they were). 

Future plans are already in place to expand this kaupapa by hosting the first NPEC secondary school surf competition as well as a Te Aho Matua Eke Ngaru competition where the event will be held completely in Te Reo Maori.  Surfing competitions along the coast provide more opportunities for whakawhānaungātanga as well as being physically active within the natural environment.  

The Grand final placings were, TKKM o Kawakawa Mai Tawhiti (first), TKMM o Maraenui (second), and TKKM o Kawakawa Mai Tawhiti (third). In the Pool B finals, Potaka blue (first), Rerekohu black (second) and Te Waiu – Waiu (third). 

Post-Cyclone Event to Provide Connection

Posted on by Tracey Harkess

In these challenging times, examples of the community’s desire to reach out, support one another, and to connect have been unmistakable. It is this spirit of connection that will permeate this year’s Well Wāhine Week.  

Between 8 – 19 March, providers will deliver free sessions for women, girls, and gender diverse people to come together and prioritise their wellbeing. Around 50 activities span the calendar, ranging from seminars about nutrition and women’s health, to physical activities like tramping, yoga, and rugby. The sessions welcome newcomers to safe, inclusive, and fun environments.  

“One of the providers I spoke to mentioned how the communications disruptions we faced after the Cyclone created an acute desire for people to see their friends face to face, particularly by their older players,” said Sarah Pocock, Active Communities Advisor at Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti. “We hope that this year’s calendar of events will allow members of our community to carve out even an hour for themselves.”  

“We are looking for ways to support our hardest-hit communities with bespoke Well Wāhine events when the time is right,” said Ms Pocock. “We are in contact with community members so that they can drive the timelines for this. If there are providers keen to add support to future rural and Coast events when they happen, contact us as Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti.” 

Cost can be a significant barrier when it comes to participation. To overcome that, Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti will ensure that all activities during the 12 days are free. Bring a mate or attend alone, these sessions are for everyone.  

“Some events will have limited numbers and will require registration, and some will require more time to lock in their location,” said Helayna Ruifrok, Active Communities Advisor at Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti. “We recommend people check with the website for the most up-to-date event information.” Providers who have an activity that they’d like to add to the event should reach out to the team via the Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti website. 

To learn more about the kaupapa, view the full calendar of events and to register, click here.  

Check out the calendar, grab your whānau and try it, love it, be it! 

Tairawhiti Weet-Bix TRY Challenge

Posted on by Tracey Harkess

Last week tamariki had four days filled with fun, laughter, and sliding as the Weet-Bix TRY Challenge hit Tairāwhiti.

Schools across Tairāwhiti were invited to participate in the Weet-Bix TRY Challenge. The Challenge is an obstacle course that consisted of cargo nets, an inflatable maze, a slip and slide, and finished off with free kai from the breakfast tent where participants received their gold medal.

The Weet-Bix TRY Challenge came about after covid restrictions interrupted the Weet-Bix TRYathlon, – a triathlon event. The TRY Challenge can be completed anywhere, anytime, and opens up more opportunities for tamariki to get active, and have fun.

Over the four days, fifteen schools including, Te Hapara, Mangapapa, Awapuni, St Marys, Te Karaka, Ormond, Whatatutu, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori Nga Uri a Maui, Te Kura Reo Rua o Waikirikiri, Wainui Beach, Te Wharau, our whaikaha community from Rongomaiwhiti Angitu, Patutahi, Ngatapa, and Waerenga-o-kuri, took part, a total of 1,500 tamariki.

The event on Friday was scheduled to be held at Ngata Memorial College in Ruatoria but unfortunately due to the weather it had to be postponed. The Weet-Bix team have committed to coming back at the end of Term 1 next year to host the TRY Challenge. Fortunately, enough schools jumped on board last minute and we were able to host a TRY Challenge out at Patutahi School instead.

“Having the opportunity to offer the Weet Bix TRY Challenge has proven hugely successful in Tairāwhiti,” said Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti Events Advisor Debbie Hutchings.

“No matter the ability of fitness, all tamariki could participate in the events. Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti is grateful to be able to work alongside Sanitarium, the Weet-Bix crew, and our schools and kura to be able to deliver the events. We can’t wait to have the events held on the coast early next year.”

Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti would like to share a massive thank you to Sanitarium and Trust Tairāwhiti for funding the Weet-Bix TRY Challenge events in Tairāwhiti, and to the host schools, Te Hapara, Te Karaka, Te Kura Reo Rua o Waikirikiri and Patutahi who provided extra help, the venues and additional activities within the obstacle course.

More images can be found on the Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti Facebook page.

Sporting Opportunities for Whaikaha Community

Posted on by Tracey Harkess

Over forty rangatahi from Lytton High School, Campion College, Gisborne Girls High and Gisborne Intermediate took part in Futsal Festival for the whaikaha (disability) community.

Central Football alongside Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti, adapted the traditional futsal elements to fit the needs of those who have physical or mental learning obstacles.

“The games and activities have been really interactive and achievable,” said Gisborne Intermediate Kaiako Michaela Boyle.

“It’s been great seeing so many students be successful during the activities and be supported and encouraged by all facilitators and staff. There are also many opportunities for students to explore skills individually and in a team.”

The basic modifications of football allowed rangatahi to find a way to participate in sport that works for them, and not against them. It allowed them to be active and build relationships so that they don’t miss out on quality sporting experiences.

“It’s wonderful to be able to provide opportunities that may not necessarily be readily available to the students and fantastic to see them having so much fun,” said Central Football Special Projects Manager John McGifford.

“Seeing the smiles on so many faces was incredibly fulfilling, and we look forward to the programme becoming an annual event.”

Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti is seeking out other clubs or codes that want to jump on board and provide similar opportunities for whaikaha in their respective sport.

“The four-week Futsal Festival was such a great experience to see sport codes and the whaikaha community work together to create more opportunities, connect and have fun,” said Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti Manawakura Advisor Courtney Stubbins.

“Traditional sports don’t always work for our communities that face barriers, so we need to be responsive to ensure that we are providing opportunities for all of our rangatahi. We would love to hear from any other codes or clubs who are interested in finding ways to be more inclusive.”

Titirangi Mt. Everest Challenge Wraps Up Tenth Year

Posted on by Tracey Harkess

Last Sunday marked the end of the tenth Titirangi Mt. Everest Challenge.

For the seven weeks of the challenge, 1,547 participants set out to climb the maunga to complete the 68 climbs, the equivalent of Mt. Everest. Altogether, participants climbed the maunga over 15,000 times.

Each participant had their own unique story of what the challenge meant to them. For some it was to raise funds and awareness for the East Coast Cancer Society to support locals living with bowel cancer, for others, it was to climb the maunga for the first time in their life or to join their friends and whānau in a team for a bit of fun and to keep active.

The Hulkfit Team topped the team leader board with a combined total of 3,171 climbs, while the Last of the Summer Wine team, with an average age of 76 years, averaged 74 climbs each.

This year, a participant made event history, Lewy Flemming topped the individual leader board with a total of 420 climbs. This is the most climbs that has ever been recorded in the ten years of the Titirangi Mt. Everest Challenge.

“After ten years of the Titirangi Mt Everest Challenge it continues to have some incredible stories and achievements recorded. Talking with some of the individuals and teams that participated during the event really emphasised how life changing it can be. We would like to celebrate all those that participated and encourage people to continue what they have started as this maunga and others, are here for us to enjoy 365 days of the year,” said Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti Events Advisor Debbie Hutchings.

With support from Ngati Oneone, Sean and Fiona Shivnan, the East Coast Cancer Society, the Gisborne District Council and ProTraffic, as well as local champions such as Huringa Pai, the event was able to raise awareness and funds for the East Coast Cancer Society to support locals living with bowel cancer.

Val Lewis Conquers Titirangi Mt. Everest Challenge

Posted on by Tracey Harkess

The Titirangi Mt. Everest Challenge always produces amazing stories of participants who register with an unknown ability to do even one of the sixty-eight climbs to scale the height of Mt. Everest using the local maunga of Titirangi.

The saying “you are never too old to learn something new” is very applicable to Val Lewis who is participating for the first time in the challenge with her workplace team Te Runanga O Ngati Porou.

What started as a wero team challenge to engage in a range of nutrition, wellness and fitness activities continued on to the Titirangi Mt. Everest Challenge. One of the wero challenges was to climb Titirangi 14 times amongst your team. Val’s response to this was “no way can I do this, I’ve never walked or run Titirangi in my life!” However, with her wero team mates together they took up the challenge.

Some, like Val, had never in their lives attempted the walk. At 66 years of age with her work team mates Val did her first climb of Titirangi. It was hard, there were many stops along the way but together they successfully completed their first climb. After logging her first climb and seeing that she also achieved a badge also provided the motivation to accumulate more badges. She is now sitting on 67 climbs with one more badge to achieve, Mt Everest!

Val has also encouraged her son and four mokopuna to join her in the challenge. Son Terry, and moko Norris (14 years), Jacob (13 years), Tyrone (20 years) and Connor (17 years) have all logged climbs as part of the Te Runanga O Ngati Porou team. Val says that the boys won’t walk with Nan as she’s too slow, but she takes pride that they are doing this with her and that they will join her to do her 68th climb.

Prior to starting the challenge Val suffered from asthma, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and painful arthritic joints. Now 6 weeks into the challenge her joint mobility and blood results are all remarkedly improved, she hasn’t needed to visit her doctor and managed a bad asthma attack without having to get further medical treatments. Her doctor has been really impressed with the positive results of her overall health improvements. Val has seen a big change in her general wellbeing. Energy levels are far higher, her mental state is improved, she doesn’t feel the same fatigue in the mornings, and she understands how important it is for her to get out and walk up and down the maunga to keep the balance she needs.

Along with the challenges of full-time work, Val’s partner also suffers from dementia. At times caring for him can be extremely frustrating. She has noticed that she has more tolerance and energy when there are tough days. On those tough days she now just heads out to walk the maunga and clear her head so that she can be a supporting and caring partner for him. Her eating habits have also changed with better food choices at mahi and home.

Te Runganga O Ngati Porou have really got behind their staff and whānau team to support this hauora kaupapa with weekly incentives to keep motivation high. There are 52 registered participants in their team, and they currently sit third on the team leaderboard for the Titirangi Mt Everest Challenge. Val is determined to keep her team on top of the leaderboard, and she has set herself a goal to complete 100 climbs. Regardless of whether she makes this by the end of the challenge on 13 November she will continue this journey until she reaches this goal.

“Val’s experience and journey to date epitomises what the challenge is all about.” Said Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti Events Advisor Debbie Hutchings.

“It’s about improving your own health and wellbeing, inspiring others, connecting with the community and achieving something that you never thought you could or would be able to do. We know there are many stories of people just like Val and just admire those that participate in the event and have similar experiences of overall improvement in their daily lives”