Kirikiriroa, Hamilton – Football coach Michael Mayne (Ngāti Awa, Ngāpuhi) has been named a finalist for Te Maru Ō Tūmatauenga | Māori Sports Coach of the Year at the Māori Sports Awards for the second year in a row.
His nomination places him alongside two other distinguished Māori coaches, Thomas Makea (Ngāti Kahungunu) of Wellington, recognised for his achievements in softball, and Marty Bourke (Waikato Tainui) of Christchurch, honoured for his work in rugby.
Mayne’s recognition reflects his long‑standing contribution to football, where he has built a reputation for developing talent and strengthening pathways for Māori athletes.
His coaching has emphasised performance and cultural identity, ensuring players are supported holistically on and off the pitch.
The Māori Sports Awards celebrate excellence across codes, recognising athletes and coaches who embody mana, whakapapa, and achievement, and the Coach of the Year award, Te Maru Ō Tūmatauenga, honours those who lead with courage, discipline, and service to their athletes.
Mayne’s nomination highlights the growing impact of Māori coaches in football, a sport where representation and visibility continue to expand, and his work stands as a testament to the importance of Māori leadership in guiding athletes to succeed while staying grounded in their culture.
As the awards ceremony approaches, his nomination is a proud moment for Ngāti Awa, Ngāpuhi, and the wider Māori football community, demonstrating the breadth of Māori excellence across Aotearoa’s sporting landscape.
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Photo Credit: Phototek NZ
Story Credit: Māori Football Aotearoa Media
