Change in Action Week - Wāhine Toa FINALIST - Te Aroha Papanui-Hunt

Te Aroha from Awhero ki te Ao and Maraenui Rugby and Sport Association coaches and supports two predominantly kōtiro teams within the Maraenui Rugby and Sports Club, with half of the kōtiro being new to the code this season. Te Aroha has fostered an inclusive environment for the kōtiro, resulting in increased confidence, self-worth, and creating relationships and trust with new people. Te Aroha is now supporting the Hawkes Bay Rugby Union to replicate what has happened within their village and hāpori of Maraenui, continuing to see the rise of more females playing the code.

Te Aroha says that true potential lies in leaning into our vulnerabilities and appreciating the experiences and lessons learned to create kōhine leaders of tomorrow.

She says Girls in Rugby was a foreign concept, as they used to watch their girls sit on the wings of a mixed team or wait patiently on the bench for an opportunity to show the coach, 'We can do it, just like the boys.' Te Aroha is now changing the narrative for girls in the code, creating a space where they feel safe to express themselves on the field in a male-dominated sport. Even the boys have changed their attitudes towards girls playing rugby. Within the last two years, and as the first all-girls rugby team in their region within the 8-10-year-old category, the team has touched the hearts of the community with their fearless determination, passion for the game, and the sassy attitudes and laughter they ooze while doing what they love.