Rooted in Whānau and Community: Ngāti Tama League Shines at Taranaki Whānui Tournament
The Taranaki Whānui Rugby League Tournament has once again showcased the strength, culture, and unity of local teams, with the Ngāti Tama league side capturing the hearts of supporters both on and off the field.
Beyond the intense competition and pride in representing their iwi, the team has cultivated an environment focused on growth, family, and inspiring the next generation of tamariki and rangatahi.
For player Fatiauma Moeahu-Leota, stepping onto the field is deeply connected to his heritage and his role as a father. Reflecting on his motivations, Moeahu-Leota shares:
“To represent my iwi, play with my cuzzies and yea represent my whānau.”
That personal dedication is also driven by the next generation looking on from the sidelines. He adds.
“It feels good being a role model to my son, yea being a dad changed my life so everything I do is really for him.”
The spirit of brotherhood and connection is equally strong across the squad. For Indiha Saotui-Huta, the joy of the game comes down to shared whakapapa and mateship.
“I actually just enjoy playing sport and that’s the main reason, and I enjoy getting around my mates and all of my mates whakapapa back to Ngāti Tama so i just joined them and have a jam with my mates really.”
That community connection resonates deeply after the final whistle, when young fans rush the field. Saotui-Huta notes the profound feeling of being a positive figure for local youth.
“It’s a really honour aye i think it’s definitely something i probably personally don’t think about, but then i really love coming of the field and having little kids running for high fives and asking for my boots and that sort of stuff and I'm just real grateful to be that type of person for these young ones.”
Behind the team's strong performances is a dedicated management and coaching staff. Coach Dylan Hall highlights the incredible momentum and commitment shown by the squad during training preparations this season.
“It’s been our best year training wise. I think we had 20 plus players at the training which at Māori’s is quite unheard of.”
Hall emphasizes that seeing the next generation engage with the sport—including his own son watching from the sidelines—is a major win for the community's future.
“Even having my boy here for me just him watching it and seeing the players that are here and all the other little tamariki as well, it’s wicked for the game tho and them coming up, growing up.”
As the Taranaki Whānui tournament continues to expand across all divisions, the Ngāti Tama team stands as a shining example of how sport can uplift whānau, celebrate culture, and pave the way for future leaders.
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