​​​​​​​Mike Rauhihi

Mike was also involved in Manawatū Softball for over 30 years and was still coming to the park right up to the end of the season. In fact it was great that Mike could come and see Huia Chiefs play in the Mens Championship final on our last day. Mike was also a Representative Coach, but more importantly he coached numerous Huia Club teams. You always knew when Mike was on the park. Mike was always willing to pass on his knowledge and expertise to anyone who wanted to learn.

Turoa Haronga

Turoa was involved in Manawatū Softball for over 30 years. He was a very astute coach who produced many great players. He was involved in coaching both Representative and Club teams. Turoa was also Chairman of the Junior Committee for many years. Many will remember Turoa arriving at the park in his bus bringing all the children from Feilding and he would collect up many others on the way. Our thoughts are with the Haronga family.

Nancy Tewharu Passed:  26 April 2026

Nancy and the Tawharu family are long time members of the Manawatũ Softball Association.

Nancy began her playing days with the Dodgers Club in Feilding. After her marriage to Terence joined the Huia Sports Club. She was a Manawatũ Representative for many years mostly playing in the infield.  Her and Terence then got involved with Representative teams, Coaching and Managing. Nancy is a Life Member of the Huia Sports Club.

Nancy helped form the Manawatũ Womens Evergreens Softball team. Administrator and organiser for 43 years. She never missed a tournament in all that time.

She supported all aspects of softball in Manawatũ until her untimely death in April 2026

John Pene

Life Member of Huia Sports Club.  John was a true pillar of the Huia Softball Club. His dedication, passion, and years of unwavering service shaped the spirit of our club and touched the lives of many.  John’s presence brought warmth and wisdom to our community for many years. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will forever remain a part of our history.  He played a huge part in shaping softballers from Manawatū for many years on and off the diamond.  A humble, quiet man that brought integrity to our game, loved and missed by many.

Vicki Webber (Manawatu)

Born: 3 May 1953 – Passed: 16 January 2026

The Manawatu Softball Association (MSA) were saddened to farewell another stalwart softballer, Vicki Weber, this year. Vicki was a well-known softballer in the Manawatu having played for Celtex Senior Women’s during the teams domination of the Manawatu Women’s competition in the late 1970’s and early-to-mid 1980’s. Vicki made her debut for the Manawatu Senior Women’s team in 1977 and became the first-choice 1^st Base pick for Manawatu and Celtex for as long as she continued to play. Vicki ‘retired’ from playing Senior Women’s competition to playing Evergreens playing for a number of provinces as well as her beloved Manawatu team. As long as she was playing softball Vicki was happy. She was ‘sports-mad’ and played many sports including; Indoor Cricket, Rugby Union, Rugby League and Soccer to name a few.

Vicki will be sadly missed by those who knew her especially at the annual ‘gathering of softballers’ held at Colquohoun Park, the home of Manawatu Softball.

Heather Dawn Tanner (nee Watts)   1951-2025

Softball History

 Bramac                                         1960—66

Huia Softball Club                           1967---81

Manawatu Senior Woman             1961---86

NZ Juniors                                     1967—68—69

NZ Trialists                                     1975—76

Manawatu Evergreens                    1982---2006

Heather playing Career                46  years

Not only a player but in later years become a coach, winning titles with Marist U18 Boys and St Peters Girls.  Served on Marist Rugby and Softball Committees, College Od Boys Rugby Committee.  Later years served as a Manawatū Volunteer Coastguard (IMT and assisted  as treasure ,plus social events) Always available to help out.

Sadly, missed by Graeme, and children Shereece and Brad ,and all that knew Heather

Heather’s second great love, after her family, was softball. For as long as I can remember, the game was part of who she was. As a catcher, she understood the special relationship between catcher and pitcher—one built on trust, respect, and the confidence that someone is always there behind you. Those qualities defined Mum both on and off the diamond. She loved the game deeply and gave so much of herself to it over the many years she played, coached, and mentored others. Some of my earliest memories are of growing up at the softball grounds, where Mum seemed happiest. Our home was always open to young players, many of whom came seeking advice, coaching, or simply encouragement. Mum generously shared her knowledge of the game, but more importantly, she shared her belief in people. She celebrated their successes, lifted them through disappointments, and helped shape not only better softball players but better young people. Softball gave Mum lifelong friendships, purpose, and joy, and she gave the sport her heart in return. Her passing leaves an enormous void, not only for our family but for the softball community she loved so dearly. For me, the diamond will always hold memories of Mum’s laughter, wisdom, and unwavering passion for the game. The lights still shine on the field, but they seem a little less bright now that she is gone.