Athlete, Waikato native, and proud Māori Ngawai Hawera has been around the world playing professional sport; the likes of rugby union, sevens, and netball, and representing New Zealand in touch rugby. Now back home, she reflects on her journey so far, the diversity of her sport, and what the future holds.
N: What positions did you play across both rugby and netball?
So in rugby sevens I played Centre, and in rugby union I played Fly-half and Winger. I played Wing Attack and centre in netball..
N: How does your mentality change before a game going between netball and rugby?
In terms of netball it was about doing my role and doing it well. Sticking to the structures, and executing our game plan as well as I could. Similar to rugby, but because I was so new to the sport, my mentality going into each game was more so about being strong and not being afraid. The difference is more around the strength part for me.
N: Are there skills that transfer across the different sports?
Oh 100%. Because I played touch rugby from quite a young age, the ball stuff was fine, it was just the tackling. With touch rugby a lot of the structures are the same, you pass the ball the same, you run similar lines.
N: What’s been your favourite sporting moment?
I had one season where I played touch rugby for the Waikato women’s team and we won gold. I also played in the New Zealand U21 team in the Trans-Tasman competition. I’d have to say that was probably my most memorable moment. It was fun and we won.
N: With a career in both sport and the fitness industry, what is it about being active that you like?
It’s always been a lifestyle. Playing different sports, I’ve always loved the challenge and the change of environment. I’ve learnt that I like doing different things and that’s probably why I like playing so many different sports. And now that I’m older I’ve found that my passion is helping people. Seeing people be better than they were before and knowing that I’ve played a part in that, it’s just so rewarding.
N: Who was a role model you looked up to growing up in sport?
The likes of Leanne Walker. She was a Tall Fern and played for the Touch Blacks women’s team. Her skillset and her mentality, wow; she was just such a smart and skilful player. In both sports she was so creative, she could create something out of nothing. The fact that she was Māori as well and grew up in the Waikato region really made her stand out to me.
N: What would you say to a young woman looking to get into sport?
I’m mentoring a few girls in my Magic development team at the moment who play more than one sport and they’re at a point in their lives where they’re feeling pressure that they have to choose. My advice to them is not to choose, make it work as much as you can. If you’ve got the right support around you and those sports have your best interests at heart then, why not go for it? Why not play two sports, three sports if you can? Don’t limit yourself if you really love it.
N: What’s the future hold for you and sport?
I think my mentality towards it now is trying to help the younger generations. Seeing those younger girls, they remind me of where I was when I was pushed into that environment so young. How I had little to no support from older players or women in that environment outside of netball. As a mentor, I’m just making sure that the girls are ok mentally outside of netball as well. I still want to get out on the court for Magic this season, that’s my only goal really. Playing in the Magic development squad this year and being in that leadership role, I just want to leave an impact on the team. I think of the best captains and leaders I’ve had and what I’ve learnt from them. Whether or not we win or lose, I just really want to create a good culture because at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters.
