Category: Featured

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.

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.

Overall Sportsperson, Alicia Hoskin, pictured with naming sponsor, Bronwyn Kay and Jake Stevens from The Real Estate Agents and Bronwyn Kay.

Congratulations to all that were nominated, selected as finalists and to the winners.

The Real Estate Agents and Bronwyn Kay Sportsperson – Alicia Hoskin

Trust Tairāwhiti Sportsman – Oska Smith

Gisborne District Council Sportswoman – Alicia Hoskin

Trust Tairāwhiti Junior Sportsman – Maia Campbell

Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti Junior Sportswoman – Hinekahukura Brooking

Trust Tairāwhiti Master Sportsperson – Emily Gillies

Turanga Health Whaikaha Award – Jack Adams

Enterprise Motor Group Sports Team – Kaiarahi Toa

Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti Junior Sports Team – Midway U19 Women

BDO Coach – Arna Majstrovic

Rochdale Advisory Group Official – Amber Church

74 Grey Street Club – Gisborne Boardriders

Pak n Save Community Impact – Gisborne Boardriders/Ngati Porou Boardriders

The Real Estate Agents and Bronwyn Kay Event Excellence – Surf Lifesaving NZ

Craigs IP Volunteer Award – Alice and Ken Houkamau

Craigs IP Volunteer Award – Albie Nepia

Graham and Dobson Services to Sport

Annette Kingi

Allen Hurne

Krissy Hohepa

Cherry Henry

Inducted into the The Turanga FM Tairāwhiti Legends of Sport were:

Liz Thompson

Kiwi Campbell

This year, a new kaupapa in Tairāwhiti will celebrate men’s wellbeing, connection, and community, Tāne Tū, Tāne Ora. 

A collaboration between Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti and Hikitia! Tāne Ora, the event dedicates a weekend to create safe, inclusive and supportive spaces that welcome tāne, and all who identify as male. The heart of Tāne Tū, Tāne Ora lies in the belief that when men stand strong together, in connection, purpose, and openness, they thrive, and so do their whānau and communities. 

The event will take place Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November 2025, with activities and gatherings happening across Tairāwhiti. 

Throughout the weekend, local providers, clubs, and organisations will host free activities designed to support men’s wellbeing. From saunas and surfing sessions to different types of fitness classes, Fast 5 netball, and parkour, there will be something for everyone. 

“Across Aotearoa, more men are starting to open up, checking in after training, talking with mates, or being present for their whānau” said Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti Kaiārahi Hapori Wade Manson. 

“This shift toward connection is powerful, and Tāne Tū, Tāne Ora celebrates that change by strengthening the spaces where it can grow.” 

“A huge mihi to the providers for jumping on board and supporting the kaupapa, without them it wouldn’t be possible” 

This kaupapa is about visibility, safety, and connection for tāne across the region, inspired by the intent of Movember and International Men’s Day. 

Hikitia! Tāne Ora Manager, Willis Tamatea, says the kaupapa speaks to a deeper movement already underway in the region. 

“When tāne rise, so too does the collective wellbeing of our whānau and communities. This kaupapa goes beyond activities, it’s about restoring belonging, affirming identity, and cultivating the courage to be real with one another.” 

“Tāne Tū, Tāne Ora reminds us that prevention begins with connection and wellbeing is not an individual pursuit but a shared responsibility, built together, shoulder to shoulder.” 

Together, Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti and Hikitia! Tāne Ora aim to raise awareness, encourage kōrero, and support communities to celebrate the strength, honesty, and openness of tāne. This kaupapa focuses on building health-supportive environments where kōrero flows easily, belonging grows through shared activity, and support feels natural and mana-enhancing. 

A calendar of events and registration details will be promoted on the Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti and Hikitia! Tāne Ora Facebook pages.