A Gift of Gratitude

A Tewhatewha Presented to Wairau

One of the most memorable moments of the tournament came after the final game, when the Whangarei Evergreens whānau gathered to present a Tewhatewha Taonga to Myrna Joseph.

The presentation was made on behalf of the Whangarei Evergreens as a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the incredible mahi undertaken in organising the 2026 Women's Evergreens Tournament.

Tournaments of this size do not happen by chance. They are built on months of planning, countless volunteer hours, and a genuine commitment to creating an environment where players feel welcomed, supported, and valued.

Throughout the week, Wairau Softball Club and Marlborough Softball Association demonstrated exceptional manaakitanga. Every team was made to feel like whānau, and the warmth shown to our players will be remembered long after the final out.

The gifting of the Tewhatewha symbolised respect, leadership, and the enduring friendships created through softball. It was a small token of appreciation carrying a much deeper message:

Thank you for opening your home to us, caring for our people, and creating memories that will stay with us forever.

The emotion shared during the presentation reflected exactly what the Evergreens programme stands for.

Softball is more than competition.

It is about people.

It is about culture.

It is about connection.

It is about leaving every tournament with more friends than when you arrived.

Beyond the Diamond

As Beyond The Dugout Broadcasting beautifully captured:

"This is what our great game of Softball is all about."

Those words perfectly sum up the spirit of the Evergreens.

The laughter, the embraces, the tears, the stories shared over kai, and the friendships formed across associations are what make this tournament one of New Zealand's most treasured softball events.

Whangarei returns home incredibly proud—not only of the softball played, but of the relationships strengthened with Wairau and the wider Evergreens whānau.

Ngā mihi nui

The Whangarei Softball Association extends its sincere thanks to:

  • Wairau Softball Club
  • Marlborough Softball Association
  • Myrna Joseph
  • Every volunteer
  • Every official
  • Every supporter
  • Beyond The Dugout Broadcasting for capturing and sharing the journey

Thank you for making our stay in Blenheim so memorable.

Until we meet again in Horowhenua in 2027.

Whangarei Evergreens Women

Wairau Evergreens Tournament 2026

Softball Never Gets Old

The Whangarei Evergreens Women returned home from Blenheim with far more than wins and statistics.

They returned with new friendships, unforgettable memories, strengthened relationships, and a renewed passion for the game we all love.

Hosted by Wairau Softball Association, the Evergreens Tournament once again proved why it is one of New Zealand's most respected softball events. Bringing together players from across Aotearoa, the tournament celebrates those who continue to play, compete and inspire long after their representative careers.

Throughout five incredible days, our wahine proudly represented Whangarei both on and off the diamond.

Outstanding Team Performance

The statistics tell part of the story.

The Whangarei batting lineup was exceptional throughout the tournament, with five players finishing the weekend batting over .600.

PlayerAVG

Pegs Te Haara.714 🔥

Courtney.692 🔥

Tamsyn Gavin.667 🔥

Kar.643 🔥

Debz.636 🔥

Behind them, Tina (.462) and Janelle (.417) provided strong support through the middle of the order, creating one of the tournament's most consistent offensive lineups.

Game Five highlighted just how dangerous the team became, with five players batting a perfect 1.000 for the game.

That depth meant Whangarei could score from anywhere in the lineup and remain competitive every time they took the field.

Congratulations Pegs Te Haara

A special acknowledgement goes to Pegs Te Haara, who led the tournament offensively.

Her weekend included:

  • Tournament-leading batting average
  • Five home runs
  • Outstanding work behind the plate as catcher
  • Leadership through experience and composure

Her performances were a huge contributor to the success enjoyed by the entire squad.

More Than Softball

While the statistics were impressive, the true success of the tournament was measured by something far greater.

The laughter during travel.

The stories shared over meals.

The support shown between teammates.

The friendships formed with players from throughout New Zealand.

For many players, this tournament became one of the most memorable softball experiences of their lives.

Several players spoke about stepping outside their comfort zones, reconnecting with why they first fell in love with softball, and building lifelong friendships through whakawhanaungatanga.

Thank You Wairau

The Whangarei Softball Association extends its sincere thanks to Wairau Softball Association for their outstanding hospitality.

Your manaakitanga, organisation and welcoming environment made the tournament an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Your own words captured the spirit perfectly:

"Passion, camaraderie, love, whānau and friendship."

We couldn't agree more.

Thank You

A massive thank you to everyone who made this trip possible.

  • Coach
  • Manager
  • Scorer
  • Bat Girl
  • Drivers
  • Team Supporters
  • Volunteers
  • Whānau who supported from home

Your commitment allowed our wahine to focus on enjoying every moment of the tournament.

Looking Ahead

The Evergreens programme continues to demonstrate that softball truly is a sport for life.

Whangarei is incredibly proud of every player who wore the black and blue with pride.

The memories created in Blenheim will stay with this team for years to come.

Horowhenua, Levin... we're coming in 2027.