Top honours for national volleyball

The Cook Islands men’s and women’s volleyball teams received recognition at the recent Matariki Cup competition held in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Jackie Rongo, Cook Islands Volleyball Federation (CIVF) development coordinator and women’s coach, received the Coach of the Tournament Award.

“I was blown away and humbled receiving the Coach of the Tournament Award! Even more so, I was very proud of our athletes that achieved individual recognition for their efforts,” Rongo said.

“Each athlete has trained or currently trains under ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) Volleyball – the team I coach alongside Liam Clegg, who I am extremely thankful to for being on this journey with me.

“Seeing these athletes shine in an international tournament and receive recognition as Cook Islands National Volleyball team players was the cherry on top.”

Rongo said Cook Islands women’s captain Tuaana Mitchell and men’s captain Ryan Nicholson led their respective teams well. 

The men’s and women’s teams finished as runners-up, losing to AMP Tipua and AMP Waiariki in their respective finals.

“A special mention to men’s MVP Jacques Koteka and men’s vice-captain, who was part of the very first team I ever coached and is still with AKTT today. He is one of the hardest working athletes I know and it was awesome to see him playing high level volleyball in this tournament.”

Rongo said the 4^th Matariki Cup Volleyball Challenge was a true embodiment of the spirit of why this competition was created – “to strengthen our cultural connection and bond across Te Moananui-a-Kiva through our shared love of volleyball.”

With Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau as major sponsor, the tournament was held in Rarotonga in 2022 and 2023, hosted by the Cook Islands Volleyball Federation. Last year, it was hosted by Volleyball Tahiti and this year it was held in Tauranga, New Zealand, hosted by Aotearoa Maori Poirewa.

Rongo said the Aotearoa Maori Poirewa (AMP) under the direction of Ngākohu and Tui Papunui were incredible hosts in Tauranga, housing them at the beautiful Hungahungatōroa Marae and organising their competition playing at the new flash courts at Haumaru Sport and Recreation Centre.

“We are so grateful! Our men’s and women’s teams truly enjoyed their experience. It was so awesome to see our home-grown local athletes from Rarotonga and Aitutaki play at the next level.”

Rongo acknowledged everyone – parents and guardians, volleyball community here and in Aotearoa, sponsors, her husband Dr Teina Rongo and children – who supported them in every shape or form to build indoor volleyball opportunities for the national team athletes in the Cook Islands.

“Atawai Wolo to our Pukapuka community in Auckland and Minister Tingika Elikana who accommodated us on our way to Tauranga, and to our Cook Islands families based in Tauranga for caring for us throughout,” she said.

“One last special thanks to the Cook Islands Volleyball logistics and management team along with the travelling aunties and players for doing what they do to keep us as one. We started together and finished together!

“There is more work to do for sure. We look forward to hosting AMP on Rarotonga in 2026.”

Awards

Womens: Best Spiker – Tuaana Mitchell, Best Blocker – Twina Tangirere, Best Defender – Elizabeth Akaruru; Mens: Most Valuable Player – Jacques Koteka, Best Server – Jacques Koteka, Best Blocker – Jacques Koteka, Best Defender – Ryan Nicholson.