MANUKURA Individual Athletes

"Champions are made from something deep inside. A desire, a dream, a vision."

MANUKURA’s special character allows individual athletes to specialise in their chosen sport. This is a small cohort and does require a clear plan and personal determination from each student However the flexible wrap around approach from MANUKURA in collaboration with individual coaches and whanau will ensure success for individual athletes. Programmes are coordinated between the coaches, whanau and MANUKURA so the athlete meets their sporting aspirations as well as their academic and cultural needs. 

Mārie Jones 2018 - and current student

Mārie has ambitions of becoming a professional dancer. Her programme requires her to spend time in Auckland each week and eventually this may require lengthy periods away as well as further opportunities abroad. MANUKURA supports athletes such as Mārie by tailoring her academic programme to address her interests and needs whilst providing the flexibility for her to work from distance and face to face. A further commitment for athletes such as Mārie is that staff make time for her individually when she is physically present at MANUKURA. The purpose for MANUKURA is simply that we wish our students to be able to have these types of dreams and opportunities, and enable this through a tailored programme dedicated to her. Additional to athletes' academic programmes is their need to be culturally and socially connected. Allowing her opportunities to share her skills and celebrate her successes with her peers gives us an appreciation and example that our students are multi talented and able to excel in all areas.

“MANUKURA has given Mārie the flexibility to chase her dreams while still having the grounding of academic education. The biggest growth for Mārie has been her cultural connection and seeing this being brought into her dance. The support MANUKURA has shown both Mārie and our whanau has been invaluable for her growth, not only in dance, but as a well rounded individual." (Mum)

Paparangi Hipango - 2009

Paparangi transitioned to TŪ TOA now known as MANUKURA, in her final year of schooling, requiring an academic programme that would nurture her culturally as well as providing the flexibility she would require as a member of the NZ Rowing team that was preparing to travel to the World Youth Championships. MANUKURA were able to support her educational programme both while she was away for long periods both training and competing. Ultimately, she was successful in being selected to compete for NZ at the World Championships. Importantly she was able to gain University Entrance and the following year was offered a scholarship to attend Berkeley State University where in her final year she won an NCAAA National title along with her team. Upon returning to NZ she visited MANUKURA to share her story and inspire students. She spoke about her time with us as well as her teams endeavours to win the American College National Rowing Championship. A truly inspiring story of strategy and commitment to succeed. Equally, she spoke about the importance of knowing who she was and her connection to the Whanganui River and her people.