We have had another successful Ki o Rahi regional campaign for our combined Westlake teams on Wednesday, 13th September, at Bert Henham Reserve.

This year we had a bit of a reputation to live up to after winning Nationals at the beginning of the year. We were lucky enough to keep most of our team from Nationals and took along a second development team.

We couldn’t have had a better result, with both teams remaining undefeated until the final. With some tough competition games, making it through to the quarter and semi-finals, our teams took on each other in the final.

Well done to our development team. For all our girls, this was their first time at a senior competition, some even their first time at a Ki o Rahi game, and they did amazingly. They all really stepped up and only went down 25-11 to our Nationals team in the final.

A big farewell and thank you to our Year 13 students for their commitment to this awesome kaupapa and taunga takaro. You have left a legacy, and this is just the beginning for Westlake. A big mihi to Kathleen Beckett, who has been the coach for the past couple of years; we wouldn’t be where we are today without you. Big thanks to Ria for all her organisation and for ensuring our girls are where they need to be.

Nationals Team – Wahine – Back row left to right, main image above. Ria Nathu (TIC), Maia Maxwell, Tylah Huston, Harmony Huston, Jarrah Campbell-Fraser, Ariana Hebden, Madisyn Yee-Joy, Kalei Morgan-Tafea, Kathleen Beckett (coach).

Development Team- Wahine – Front row left to right. Georgee Halling, Ilaisaane Mau, Caroleigh Ryder, Amelia Moke, Tia White, Kaia Jamieson, Mari-Lyn Connelly.