Local golfer Herewini Hohepa took out the prestigious 2016 senior men’s NZ Maori golf title held at Taupo golf club.  With family support and close friends in attendance the Stewart Alexander no.1 pennant player toughed out a close final against a 2.4 handicapper Tyson Tawera (Hastings golf Club) winning 2/1 in the final. As a duel member of both Stewart Alexander & Te Awamutu golf clubs the quiet and unassuming young man went about his way coming 3rd in stroke play and proceeding on to the final match where he won.

It was a gruelling 5 day tournament that has the first 2 days as stroke play qualifiers for seeding then splits into divisions according to gross scores and handicap. Match play starts on Wednesday and 2 rounds on Thursday with finals on Friday.  The senior women’s title went to Te Rongopai Clay 0.8 handicap (Titahi golf club) who overcome Mary Lines from (Te Teko golf club) Te Rongopai has won this tournament before when Te Awamutu & Stewart Alexander hosted the Nationals in 2011.

Due to winning the national title Hohepa has gained entry into the NZ amateur golf tournament and also is eligible for the NZ open qualifier tournaments.

Flanked by his family, his mother Deb Hohepa said “It was a fantastic week the whole family was there to witness his feats – we’re still on a high” Deb also mentions about everyone who has helped her son along in golf.  ” I know that Herewini has had a lot of support along the way in golf and I want to say thank-you to everyone” Also a huge acknowledgement to Victor Roberts who has been there from day dot with Herewini.  Victor caddied the whole 5 days for Herewini and has done for many other major events as well.  Thank – you Victor.

Not only was he supported by family Herewini is a part of another golfing group, D12 or the Dirty Dozen these ‘Loyals’ are a squad led by Joe Tapu (Stewart) who support and attend many maori golf tournaments and initiatives.  Herewini has been a part of this special team since 12 yrs old and always has made them proud of his achievements.

There were a few D12 loyalists or (Stewy members) that featured well in the 2016 NZ Maori golf nationals they are:

Tema Tapu                        Semi finals 2nd 16 Ladies

Dean Scott                         Intermediate Men’s Champion 2016                  

John Emery                      Semi finals 2nd 16 Intermediate

Romana Graham             Intermediate Plate Champion 2016

Herewini Hohepa            Senior Men’s Champion 2016

Congratulations to the above people from our club on representing us at a national level, especially Dean and Herewini who won their respective sections out right.  We are expecting great things from  Herewini who has been offered a ‘part’ scholarship from Iowa state university,  maybe he can shine the torch like other local golfing talent Compton Pikari who has slotted in comfortably at Dixie state university.