Surfing New Zealand and Te Puni Kokiri Extend Partnership Into Sixth Year

For immediate release

Date: 5th July 2010
From: Surfing New Zealand
Sport: Surfing
Websites: www.surfingnz.co.nz and www.tpk.govt.nz/en/

Surfing New Zealand and Te Puni Kokiri Extend Partnership Into Sixth Year

Surfing New Zealand (SNZ) and Te Puni Kokiri have entered into the sixth year of a strong relationship that dates back to 2005. The partnership fosters the growth of surfing in the Maori community and has been the catalyst of some great success stories over the past five years.

The partnership revolves around a holistic approach to surfing related activities. The approach ensures that the entire whanau are involved with many of the initiatives taking place at Marae throughout New Zealand.

In 2010 the partnership focuses on a continuation of well received initiatives including the Rangatahi Development Wananga, Maori Surfers Hui and Coaching and Judging Courses.

The extremely successful Rangatahi Development Wananga were developed after the first Maori Surfers Hui where youth development was identified as an area that would provide significant value to New Zealand’s young surfers.

The three Wananga held in year one unearthed some exceptional talent with young surfers being selected from around the country. Selection is based on the results and performance of surfers on the SNZ Grommet Series. After attending the Wananga, Mahorahora McLeod (Te Atiawa) went on to be awarded an International Surfing Association (ISA) scholarship in January this year. He has also competed nationally making finals in age group events.

Kehu Butler (Ngaiterangi) was another to shine through the ranks with the young 10 year-old surfer currently competing successfully in Australia. 6 others that attended the wananga were selected for the New Zealand World Junior Team Squad with Jayda Martin-Fitzharris (Kahungunu) being selected for the final team.

The sports administration courses have seen 120 attendees gain international qualifications enabling them to coach surfing and judge at international events around the world. 2005 course attendee Mark Stockman (Nga Puhi / Tainui) worked through the ranks to judge at a national level before being selected to judge at the 2010 Quiksilver ISA World Junior Championships held at Piha in January.

“The partnership with Te Puni Kokiri has allowed Surfing New Zealand to deliver some great initiatives for Maori surfers and we are beginning to see the products of these initiatives from both the surfers and sports administrators alike” commented Surfing New Zealand CEO Greg Townsend adding “this year will build on the strong base that has been built over the past five years.”

Maori Projects Manager Steve Ria (Ngati Ruapani / Rongowhakaata) was also very appreciative of the support from Te Puni Kokiri. “Their support has created a pool of qualified officials from various tribal affiliations. These officials are available to assist with event administration and the development and guidance of our rangatahi and tamariki that want to take up surfing as a sport.”

The first initiatives to get underway this year will be the Rangatahi Development Wananga – the first of three taking place at (Pukehina Marae / Bay of Plenty) on the 16th – 17th July. The subsequent Wananga take place on the 21 – 22 August (Whaingaroa / Raglan) and 30 Sept – 1st Oct (Turanganui a Kiwa / Gisborne).

Also stay tuned for dates for the up-coming Maori Surfers Hui as well as the judging and coaching courses.

Information
For more information on the partnership please contact Greg Townsend on 07 8250018 or email gt@surfingnz.co.nz. If you are interested in attending any of the initiatives please contact Steve Ria on 0212278731 or email steveria@surfingnz.co.nz.

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