Ngāti Toa rangatahi excels through sport, culture and education

At 15 years old, Hikareia Tepania -Stephens (Ngāti Toa Rangatira) is already balancing an impressive range of sporting, cultural and academic commitments.

Hakareia attends Manukura Charter School in Palmerston North, renown for its academic, Māori and sporting excellence.

After relocating from Motueka at the beginning of 2025, he was accepted into the school through its rugby programme and now represents Manukura in both rugby union and rugby league.

A dedicated Waka Ama paddler since the age of six, Hikareia has competed with clubs in Ngāruawāhia, Motueka, and Nelson.

His hard work was rewarded during a standout 2026 season, beginning with strong performances at the Waka Ama Nationals at Lake Karapiro before competing at the ‘Tuna E Hoe Ana’ Regional event at Lake Rotoiti.

There, he was honoured with the Kereopa Memorial Trophy, recognizing young paddlers who demonstrate initiative, perseverance, and courage. He went on to win Silver and Bronze medals at the Hoe Tonga Secondary School Regionals in Porirua and later competed at the Secondary Schools Nationals in Rotorua.

His long-term ambition is to represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the 2028 Waka Ama World Championships.

Alongside his success on the water, Hikareia represented Manukura’s Under-15 Rugby League team at the Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rangatahi Tournament in Rotorua and is also a member of the school's 1st XV rugby team. He remains strongly connected to his culture through kapa haka and is preparing to compete at the Secondary Schools National Kapa Haka Competition.

With 2026 also marking his first year of NCEA assessments, Hikareia continues to demonstrate exceptional commitment, discipline, and determination across every aspect of his life.

Hikareia appreciates the tautoko he received through Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira ports grants.

He acknowledges that this assistance has played an important role in his sporting journey, allowing him to focus on developing his skills, representing his whānau and iwi with pride, and striving towards his goals both on and off the field.

E tama, me kaha tonu koe ki te whai i ngā mahi pai katoa, kia ū hoki ki ōu whāinga.