Hosted by the Horowhenua Kapiti Coast region, more than 430 Māori golfers from around the country vied for top honours in seven sections at the National Māori Golf Championship. Top honours went to local golfer Andrew Henare (Ngāti Tükorehe, Ngāti Wehiwehi) for the Senior Men’s Championship and Nellie Tulisi (Ngāpuhi) took out the Ladies’ Championship.

Hosts HKMagic (Horowhenua Kapiti Māori Golf Association) were impressed with the golfing prowess on display. “It was a great championship and particularly a good result for us with our own local boy Andrew Henare winning the men’s section,” says HKMagic’s Richard Orzecki.“One of our goals was to promote Māori golf to our region.”

The Championships ended with an Awards Evening at the Tatum Park Centre with special guests including Ministers Parekura Horomia and Nanaia Mahuta.

The awards evening celebrated the success of Māori golfers over the week-long competition and acknowledged 110 Māori golfers for their efforts.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better time to host the championships because we are working closely with Te Wānanga o Raukawa to set up a golf academy,” says Richard.

“And to top it off Andrew won the men’s championship - our very own champion, who will be turning pro,” he says.

The Championships will be hosted by Ngāti Kahungunu and held in Napier in 2009.