Ocean Bartlett bowling for NZ Secondary Schoolgirls Maori. PHOTOS/FILE
MAORI SPORTS AWARDS
CHRIS COGDALE
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Promising cricketer Ocean Bartlett was the big winner at the 2021 Wairarapa Maori Sports Awards announced on Monday night.
Bartlett won Taumata Hakinakina [Overall Sportsperson of the Year] after earlier winning Tai Ohi Tane [Secondary Schoolgirls] awards ceremony conducted online.
In a stellar year, Bartlett made her Central Hinds’ debut, captained the New Zealand Secondary Schoolgirls Maori XI, was a key player for the Southey Sayer Wairarapa Korus, and led St Matthew’s Collegiate to runners-up at the Gillette Venus Cup national secondary schoolgirls’ final.
The Tai Pakeke Tane [Senior Men] award went to netballer Vyktah Tamihana for his selection in the New Zealand Under-20 men’s side
The Tai Pakeke Wahine [Senior Women] award was won by former powerlifter Katia MacKenzie, who was runner-up in the junior bikini class at the NZIFBB [NZ International Federation of Bodybuilders] championships in Auckland, in only her second bodybuilding competition.
Kaiarahi [Coach of the Year] was won by Mark Harris, who guided several athletes to national titles and NZ Secondary School championships.
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He also coached promising middle-distance runner Liam Lamb to qualify for the World University Games in the 5000m and 1500m.
The Wairarapa College premier netball team won the Te Roopu Hakinakina O Te Tau [Team of the Year] for winning the 2021 Wairarapa premier one championship, beating Celtic 53-52 in a thrilling final for their first championship victory in 16 years.
Promising basketballer Tyson Te Tau-Rawiri won the Tai Ohi Tane [Secondary Schoolboys] award, cricketer India Bartlett won the Tai Tamariki Wahine [Primary and Intermediate Schoolgirl] award, and Charlie Casha took out the Tai Tamariki Tane [Primary and Intermediate Schoolboy] award for his achievements in kapa haka, darts, rugby, and waka ama.
Tino Tautoko [Volunteer of the Year] was presented to Amy Williams for her many years of service in administration and coaching netball.
The Jeff Workman Memorial Award for people’s choice was won by Jessie Gain for her success in motocross, hockey, Rippa rugby, and dance.
The Maori Sports Awards ceremony was originally scheduled to be held in November but was postponed because of the covid-19 restrictions.
