Held for the first time at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Sport and Event Centre, the annual event saw 730 students from 24 schools from Taranaki, Manawatū, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington take to the fields and courts for a day of sporting action.
The aim of Toa Whakaihuwaka is to identify the ultimate champions, with the six months leading up to the event seeing the intermediate schools vying for a chance to compete against the region’s best.
Despite the subpar weather, the enthusiasm was palpable as the young athletes showcased their skills across five different sports: football, basketball, netball, hockey and rugby sevens. With a focus on sportsmanship, whakawhanaungatanga and fun, the rangatahi finished the day having embodied these values, with eight school teams named as winners in their respective disciplines.
Results:
- Boys football: Ross Intermediate School
- Girls football: Tawa Intermediate School
- Boys rugby sevens: Masterton Intermediate School
- Girls rugby sevens: Monrad Tirohanga Intermediate School
- Boys basketball: Hutt Intermediate School
- Girls basketball: Tawa Intermediate School
- Netball: Wainuiomata Intermediate School
- Hockey: Taradale Intermediate School
The day concluded with a prize-giving ceremony, where the winning teams received the coveted prize logs, crafted from matai wood.
Evans Bay Intermediate School Principal Howard Young says the event was a massive success.
“It was a fantastic day, with the event played in great spirit. Massey University proved to be an ideal venue for Toa Whakaihuwaka. The support Massey provided in both the lead up and on the day meant that everything ran smoothly, from the mihi whakatau to the prizegiving. We’re looking forward to being back at Massey in 2025 with a bigger and better event.”
Commercial Services Operations Manager Frances Duffin says it was fantastic to welcome so many rangatahi to Massey.
“Hosting Toa Whakaihuwaka for the first time was a fantastic opportunity for us to share our state-of-the-art facilities with enthusiastic and talented young athletes. This event not only allowed us to engage with the wider community, but also supported the development of emerging talent, helping us play a part in fostering the next generation of sportspeople. A big thank you to everyone involved in the day, from our grounds staff who ensured the fields were game ready, to the organisers, participants and supporters who made it such a memorable occasion.”
Executive Director of Estates Glenn Bunny adds, "Toa Whakaihuwaka was a fantastic event, and it was a pleasure to work alongside the dedicated principals and staff who made it possible. Being part of creating memorable experiences for hundreds of tamariki from across the lower North Island is something we’re proud of, and it’s inspiring to see the positive impact on our young people. We look forward to continuing this partnership and working together to build on the aspirations we share for 2025."
If you’re interested in hosting your next event at Massey’s Sport and Event Centre, find out more and get in touch here.
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