9 Feb 2023

Hailing from Rangitukia, Trish Hina, an ex Kiwi Fern captain is the Maori Ambassador for the NZ Maori NRL Women’s team that will play against the Indigenous Women’s team representing Australia. This is the first time the Indigenous games fixture is being hosted by Aotearoa, and is a popular event on the international rugby league calendar.

Trish has played in three successful Womens Rugby League world cup campaigns 2000, 2003 and 2008. In 2000 Trish was named New Zealand Rugby League Player of the year, and last year was inducted by the NZ Rugby League to its prestigious Legends of League alongside fellow Kiwi Fern legends, Luisa Avaiki, Nadene Conlon, and Leah Witehira and Kiwi players; Howie Tamati, Ruben Wiki and Stacey Jones. Trisha has also impressively represented her country in four sports: league, rugby union, touch and softball.

Trish says she feels blessed to be part of the NRL All-Stars Kaupapa.

“I think that the coming together of our two cultures, through rugby league, a sport I absolutely love, is awesome. As part of my ambassador role I will get to select and present the player of the match after the women’s game.”

Trish comes from a long line of talented sportswomen and men, including her brothers and sisters. She says they have given her the inspiration to success, and also credits her parents in helping her to realise her dreams to make a career in sport.

"Straight outta Rangitukia" -  Trish flanked by her parents Joe Tawhara and Hine Manuel.

In her day jobs working as a Whanau Ora Navigator for Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou, and as a kaimahi at Kaiti School in Gisborne supporting tamariki within the school’s rugby academy, Trish uses her skills and experiences to help rangatahi to realise their sporting aspirations.

“I am passionate about supporting our tamariki to achieve their goals. I tell them talent is simply not enough, they need to work hard, train hard and be committed in everything they do not just sport.”

Trish has been instrumental in leading and developing womens rugby here in Te Tairawhiti, turning out dynamic Black Fern players like Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kelsey Teneti and Renee Holmes to name a few.

NRL All-Stars Maori and Indigenous Matches, Feb 11, Rotorua International Stadium.

1.15pm – Gates open

2.15pm – Mixed Touch Football: Maori All Stars vs Australian Indigenous All Stars

3.30pm – Aotearoa NZ Maori Wahine Toa All Stars vs Australian Indigenous Women’s All Stars

5.45pm – Aotearoa NZ Maori Tane All Stars vs Australian Indigenous Men’s All Stars

For more info go to: https://www.rotoruanui.nz/event/nrl-harvey-norman-all-stars-maori-v-indigenous/