Waina has been a committed and more than avid supporter of the Waiariki Maori Netball for 24 years.  She has donated many hours of aroha, finances and time into keeping the AMNOHL/Waiariki kaupapa – waka afloat.

Waina has been a regional coordinator for Waiariki for 23 plus years, her participation in managerial and coaching have enabled her to continue with the kaupapa of ‘Maori Netball.’

Waina, is renowned for her integrity and reliability within Waiariki Maori netball and other community activities in general and she has been the poutokomanawa for Waiariki Maori Netball and it is with her support and commitment to Waiariki that makes her a deserving recipient of a Life Membership for Waiariki/Aotearoa Maori Netball.

She  was involved with netball at National, Regional and grass roots level from the time her daughters played netball for  the local Te Teko / Whakatane teams, to Eastern Bay of Plenty Age Group Teams to National level where her daughters were selected for NZ U21’s, NZ Young Internationals, NZ A  teams and NZ Silver Fern squad teams.

She played many roles during these years, being mother, manager and supporter of the many teams her daughters were involved in. Waina coached and managed Age Group teams for Eastern Bay of Plenty Netball.  She has been a coach and selector for Aotearoa Maori Netball Age Groups and Secondary School teams.

In 2006, Waina put her heart and soul into bringing the Aotearoa Maori Netball National Tournament to her local township, Whakatane.    Her leadership, drive, vision, dedication and commitment in hosting and providing a unique experience at tournament had astounding achievements.  As a result, Waiariki are able to take pride that many of the hosting roopu’s have implemented some of the format from this tournament, in particular, continuing with the rejuvenation of the Waiatatira Trophy and giving the mana it deserves, which is now in full competition between rohe’s.

Waina  provided 24 great years of service to Waiariki Maori Netball, a voluntary organisation, that she puts total commitment into, with her latest achievement being the host and major organiser of the Aotearoa Maori Netball National Tournament that was held 2006 in Whakatane.

Ko koe  te Poutokomanawa o to matau waka o Waiariki – moe mai, moe mai e hine I to moenga roa. You will be in our thoughts, laughter, tears and aching hearts for ever.