This report presents key findings and recommendations from the Voice of the Coach survey, completed by 49 coaches in Te Tairāwhiti between October and December 2025.
Building on the findings from 2024, this survey aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local coaching landscape, exploring coach demographics, motivations, challenges, and the factors shaping their development.
View the full report here.
Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti is excited to announce the 2026 athletes selected for the Tairāwhiti Rising Legends programme, marking a special milestone year as the initiative celebrates two decades of supporting emerging sporting talent across the region.
“This year we’re celebrating 20 years of the Tairāwhiti Rising Legends programme” said Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti Event and Talent Lead Debbie Hutchings.
“The 2026 squad features five new and three returning athletes across eight sports. With alumni progressing to Olympic, World and Commonwealth success, this exciting group continues the legacy, perhaps nurturing our next global champion. These athletes will be exposed to workshops that will support their journey in high performance sport and contribute to helping them work towards their goals.”
The 2026 Rising Legends squad includes eight athletes representing a wide range of codes:
Returning Athletes:
New Members:
For 20 years, the Tairāwhiti Rising Legends programme has provided wraparound support for talented young athletes, equipping them with the tools, knowledge and connections needed to thrive in high performance sport while remaining grounded in their community.
Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti is the only Regional Sports Trust in New Zealand that still offers a talent programme. The programme is only possbile through the generosity of funders.
As the programme enters its third decade, the focus remains on nurturing potential, strengthening resilience, and supporting athletes to pursue excellence on national and international stages.
A 20-year celebration will be held to acknowledge the milestone and the 130 athletes that have participated in the programme across 38 sports.
Well Wāhine 2026 returns this March with a full week dedicated to movement, connection and hauora for wāhine across Tairāwhiti.
The week will begin on International Women’s Day, Sunday 8 March, with a sunrise hikoi up Titirangi maunga, followed by karakia and Pilates with Tilly to set the intention for the days ahead. It will close the following Sunday, 15 March, with a final hikoi up Titirangi to reflect, reconnect and celebrate the journey together.
Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti works in partnership with local providers to bring together a diverse calendar of free activities designed to support women, girls and gender diverse people to prioritise their wellbeing in a safe, welcoming environment.
This year’s programme offers something for everyone. From strength-based sessions like weightlifting and BFT training, to Pilates, yoga and face yoga, creative workshops such as kawakawa balm and kombucha making, and opportunities to try netball, badminton, gym access at the YMCA, mirimiri, a wāhine miti session and more.
Sessions will be delivered in venues and community spaces, creating opportunities for wāhine to move their bodies, learn new skills and build meaningful connections.
“Starting the week on our maunga at sunrise feels like the perfect way to honour International Women’s Day. It’s about grounding ourselves, moving together and creating space to focus on our own hauora.” said a Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti spokesperson.
“Well Wāhine is about removing barriers. Cost, confidence, time, or simply not knowing where to start can hold people back. This week creates an open door, whether you’re trying something for the first time or returning to something you love.”
Now in its sixth year, Well Wāhine continues to create spaces where wāhine can feel supported, empowered and inspired to move in ways that suit them.
To view the full calendar of events and register for sessions, visit the Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti Facebook page.
Tāne Tū, Tāne Ora took over the weekend, with fourteen activities delivered across three days. All designed to support the wellbeing of tāne through connection, movement, and accessible pathways to better health.
From workouts, jiu-jitsu, and surfing to relaxed sauna sessions and weightlifting, the kaupapa offered something for every tāne. Across the weekend, participants had the chance to show up in their own way, try new activities, and connect with others in a positive environment.
“We are grateful to everyone who backed this kaupapa tuatahi” said Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti Kaiārahi Hapori Wade Manson.
“Our supporters, providers, and participants helped create welcoming spaces for tāne to be themselves and enjoy time together. Watching rangatahi jump into jiu-jitsu and seeing tāne try other activities for the first time showed the value of giving people positive opportunities to connect. I am excited for what next year might bring. The momentum is growing, and our providers are already coming up with new ideas for their own programmes.”
Organisers say the first-year response shows there is a real appetite for creating regular spaces where tāne can prioritise their wellbeing in ways that feel comfortable, inclusive, and grounded.
“It was really good to see dedicated spaces for men, with different options to connect through fun and healthy activities. It created a relaxed environment where guys could show up, move, and connect without pressure, which made the whole weekend feel really positive.” said SOL Fitness Owner & Coach, Jorge Buelna.
The response from the community showed just how valuable dedicated spaces are for tāne in our region. A strong foundation and excitement for what comes next
“This year’s Tāne Tū, Tāne Ora Wellness Weekend was an inspiring reflection of what happens when our community leads the way in strengthening the wellbeing of our men.” said Hikitia! Tāne Ora Manager Willis Tamatea.
“The energy, the brotherhood, and the commitment shown by our tāne and their whānau created a powerful space for learning and growth. It was more than an event, it was a movement toward growing better men for Tairāwhiti.”
“We saw tāne step forward with courage, embrace positive change, and uplift each other through kōrero and shared experiences.”
“The weekend highlighted the strength we have when we come together with purpose and pride. These learnings, insights, and connections are already shaping how we’ll grow this kaupapa even further next year, stronger, bolder, and even more community inspired.”
The success of the Tāne Tū, Tāne Ora weekend has sparked more conversations about bringing the kaupapa back in 2026. Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti and Hikitia! Tāne Ora are committed to continuing the momentum and keeping the kaupapa growing.
Christmas Flippa Ball Camp
Monday 22 December
9am – 1pm
$15
TO register, email [email protected]
Gymnastics Holiday Program
Monday 15 December: 12pm – 3pm
Wednesday 17 December: 12pm – 3pm
Friday 19 December: 12pm – 3pm
Monday 22 December: 9am – 12pm and 12pm – 3pm
Tuesday 23 December: 9am – 12pm and 12pm – 3pm
5 – 14 year olds
$25 per session
Click here to book.
Silks Program
Every Tuesday in January. 3.30pm – 5pm.
3 Day Football Challenge
Tuesday 20 – Thursday 22 January
The Oval Sports Ground
6 – 12 year old boys and girls
9am – 3pm
$95 per person
3 Day Holiday Programme
Tuesday 13 – Thursday 15 January
The Oval Sports Ground
Girls and boys aged 6 – 12
9am – 3pm
$95 per person
Sunday 14 December, Monday 15 December, Wednesday 17 December, Friday 19 December, and Sunday 21 December
2 sessions per day: 10am – 11.30am and 11.30am – 1pm
$10 per child
Year 5 and 6: Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 January. 9.30am – 2.30pm. $25 per day
Year 7 and 8: Thursday 29 and Friday 30 January. 9.30am – 2.30pm. $25 per day
Register here.
Overall Sportsperson, Alicia Hoskin, pictured with naming sponsor, Bronwyn Kay and Jake Stevens from The Real Estate Agents and Bronwyn Kay.
The Real Estate Agents and Bronwyn Kay Sportsperson – Alicia HoskinTrust Tairāwhiti Sportsman – Oska SmithGisborne District Council Sportswoman – Alicia HoskinTrust Tairāwhiti Junior Sportsman – Maia CampbellWhiti Ora Tairāwhiti Junior Sportswoman – Hinekahukura BrookingTrust Tairāwhiti Master Sportsperson – Emily GilliesTuranga Health Whaikaha Award – Jack AdamsEnterprise Motor Group Sports Team – Kaiarahi ToaWhiti Ora Tairāwhiti Junior Sports Team – Midway U19 WomenBDO Coach – Arna MajstrovicRochdale Advisory Group Official – Amber Church74 Grey Street Club – Gisborne BoardridersPak n Save Community Impact – Gisborne Boardriders/Ngati Porou BoardridersThe Real Estate Agents and Bronwyn Kay Event Excellence – Surf Lifesaving NZCraigs IP Volunteer Award – Alice and Ken HoukamauCraigs IP Volunteer Award – Albie Nepia
Annette KingiAllen HurneKrissy HohepaCherry Henry
Liz ThompsonKiwi Campbell