At the 35th annual Māori Sports Awards, held at Tūrangawaewae Marae, Skills Active Aotearoa proudly presented the Māori Sports Awards Scholarship to Epiha Ricky Muru-Kete (Waikato Tainui), a rising star in rugby league officiating.

The award was presented by Hinemaua Rikirangi, Skills Active Aotearoa Board member, who delivered the presentation entirely in te reo Māori with grace and professionalism. This moment reflects our deep and enduring relationship with the Māori Sports Awards — a partnership that spans decades, celebrating Māori excellence and leadership in sport.

Epiha’s journey is inspiring. From becoming the youngest referee at Aotearoa Māori Rugby League at just 13 years old, he has progressed to officiating at senior tournaments and now, in 2025, is taking on appointments across Aotearoa, Australian NSWRL, and interstate competitions at elite development and state-level pathways. His commitment to professional development with the NSWRL Referees Association shows his determination to reach elite-level officiating.

The evening also honoured Dr Karlina Tongotea (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Tonga), world champion powerlifter, who claimed the supreme award: Rongomaraeroa – Albie Pryor Memorial Māori Sports Person of the Year. Her record-breaking 620kg total secured gold at the World Games in Chengdu, China — a testament to Māori strength and global achievement.

Skills Active Aotearoa is proud to support Epiha’s aspirations and to stand alongside Māori Sports Awards in celebrating 35 years of excellence, leadership, and mana Māori in sport.