IWI: Ngati Rangitihi, Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Pikiao, Tuhourangi
MARAE: Rangiaohia (Matata)
BIRTHPLACE: Matata (02 February 1934)
DIED:
IWI: Ngati Rangitihi, Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Pikiao, Tuhourangi
HOCKEY, TENNIS, SOFTBALL, BASKETBALL
Biography | tuhinga koi ora
Margaret was born at Whakatane to Margaret (Daisy) and Te Whainoa Raureti, mokopuna of Raureti and Te Aoerere Mokonuiarangi and Margaret and Fred Thomas. She is of Maori, Welsh and Sottish descent. The whanau lived at Matata. She had 4 sisters, Kanui, Parekura, Wynel and Irene, and 3 brothers Laurie, Neil and Morris.
Sadly only Margaret and Morris are still alive. Laurie and Morris were both NZ Maori All Blacks and played rugby for Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Morris was also a NZ Colt. Marg was educated at Matata Native School and Whakatane District High School. In her final school year the school became Whakatane High School and Marg was Head Girl. She went to Ardmore Teachers Training College in 1951 where she met Ruruarau Heitia Hiha whom she married at Matata on the 18 December 1954.
She played hockey for Auckland in1951 & 52, and softball 1951 & 52, winning the National Tournament that year. Marg was one of 12 Training College students selected nationally for a year’s training at Dunedin Teachers College as Physical Education and Health Specialists. She represented Otago in hockey and softball,1953. In 1954 whilst teaching Physical Education at Whakatane High School, she played hockey for Bay of Plenty and Auckland Country. Heitia taught at Westshore School, that year.
Heita played rugby for Auckland Colts and South Auckland Seniors 1952/53. He was a NZ Maori Rugby Rep from1954 -1957,a Hawkes Bay Rugby Rep 1954-1957, 1962 -1964, played for Tai Rawhiti 1954 -1957, and East Coast 1958-1961. He played Rep Tennis for Hawkes Bay from 1962 and in the NZ Maori Tennis Team 1975.
Marg and Heitia taught in Waipawa 1955-May 1958 when they moved to a 2 teacher Maori School at Horoera, 1958 -1962. They returned to Napier where they taught until they retired. Marg taught for 34 years and Heitia for 31 years. Marg was a carer consultant for 7 years and Heitia developed a hydroponic business prior to working for Social Welfare as Assistant Director to implement Te Puao-te-Ata-tu. He was the Iwi Liaison Officer for the HB Regional Council and Napier City Council finally retiring from full time work in 1998. However he continues to serve on several Maori Trusts and committees, chairing the Te Whanganui a Orotu Wai55 Treaty Claim.
Marg retired from full time work in1997, but has been the kuia with the Child Adolescent and Family Mental Health Team (Te Harakeke) since 1998, working 10 hours a week, and recently has accepted a similar role with the Batchelor of Arts and Social Sciences Faculty at Eastern Institute of Technology.
Marg and Heitia have 4 children and 7 mokopuna, they have 3 daughters, Anne Aroha, Kanui Allana and Shelley Moana and one son, Heitia Shane. They all played rep tennis for Hawkes Bay through the age grades. All 3 older children have completed degrees and Shelley is a qualified Sports Massage Therapist. All 4 children now lecture or teach. While at University Anne and Allana both played for the NZ University Hockey Teams. Anne also played hockey for Wellington B and Allana for Manawatu and NZ. Shelley played rep hockey for Hawkes Bay and Wellington, the NZ Maori Team and coached the NZ Maori team for several years.
Currently (June 2009)Marg is coaching 3-9 year olds (littlies) in hockey, a year 5/6 school team, and assists with an Intermediate team. It keeps her involved in hockey and introduces the sport to young ones and weekly still plays tennis.
Achievements | tutukitanga
SOFTBALL
Auckland 1951/52 (won National Tournament)
Otago 1953 COACH / ADMINISTRATION: NZ Education Institute Counsellor (counselling with teachers having problems, personal or Professional)
HOCKEY
Auckland 1951/52 Otago
1953 Auckland Country
1954 Bay of Plenty
1954 Hawkes Bay
1962 -1980 (Captain 1964 -1979)
K Cup Winners 1968 / 69/ 70/ 72/ 73/ 74/ 75 / 76 / 80
North Island 1951/52/63- until selection ceased
NZ Maori Team 1953 North Island Minor 1964
NZ 1967
Hawkes Bay Hockey Team Manager 1986 – 93
NZ Hockey Team Coach/ Selector 1981 -83
HB Hockey Team Coach 1979 -84
HB Hockey Team Selector 1970 – 74
NZ Hockey Team Coach / Manager 1978
HB Hockey Team to Canada- Captain /Coach / Organiser 1976
Instigated Annual NZ Maori Rep Hockey Tournament 1992
TENNIS
Hawkes Bay 1962-1975
NZ Maori Singles Title 1967/69/71
NZ Maori Doubles 1967 /69
NZ Maori Team 1975
BASKETBALL
Hawkes Bay 1951/52/75
