MARGARET HIHA

1934-2020

Margaret Hiha (Ngāti Rangitihi, Te Arawa) played a pivotal role in the development of Māori hockey in Aotearoa. A New Zealand representative player, coach, selector and administrator, Margaret dedicated decades to the growth of hockey at provincial, national and Māori levels.

In 1992, recognising the need to strengthen Māori participation and connection through the sport, she established the National Māori Hockey Tournament. The inaugural tournament was held in Napier over Labour Weekend in 1992 and hosted by the Tākitimu rohe.

Since then, the tournament has been held annually, bringing together Māori players, whānau and communities from across Aotearoa. More than a competition, it provides an opportunity for generations to connect through hockey, celebrate Māori identity, and represent their iwi, rohe and whānau with pride.

Margaret’s vision laid the foundation for what is now NZ Māori Hockey, with the National Māori Hockey Tournament remaining at the heart of the organisation’s kaupapa today.

NATIONAL TOURNAMENT HISTORY

Since 1992, the NZ Māori Hockey National Tournament is hosted by a different rohe each year, celebrating our people and communities throughout Aotearoa.

YearHost RoheVenue
2025Tāmaki MakaurauAuckland
2024Te Tai TokerauWhangārei
2023Tai UruPalmerston North
2022Te WaipounamuWhakatū (Nelson)
2021–Tournament postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak
2020TākitimuWellington (relocated to Hamilton)
2019TairāwhitiGisborne
2018WaiarikiRotorua
2017Waikato-ManiapotoHamilton
2016Tāmaki MakaurauAuckland
2015Te Tai TokerauWhangārei
2014Te WaipounamuChristchurch
2013Tai UruTaranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū & Horowhenua
2012WaiarikiRotorua
2011TākitimuNapier
2010Waikato-ManiapotoHamilton
2009Tāmaki MakaurauAuckland
2008Te Tai TokerauWhangārei
2007Tai UruPalmerston North
2006WaiarikiRotorua
2005TākitimuNapier
2004Waikato-ManiapotoHamilton
2003Tāmaki MakaurauAuckland
2002Te Tai TokerauWhangārei
2001Tai UruStratford
2000WaiarikiRotorua
1999TākitimuWellington
1998Waikato-ManiapotoHamilton
1997Tāmaki MakaurauAuckland
1996Te Tai TokerauWhangārei
1995Tai UruPalmerston North
1994TairāwhitiGisborne
1993WaiarikiRotorua
1992TākitimuNapier