I flew out from Auckland airport on the 25 June. I had won a National Polocrosse scholarship which enabled me to stay on a ranch in Narrabri (about an 8 hour drive from Sydney). I stayed with the Melbourne family and played with the Galloping Gully Club. What an awesome whanau to stay with. It really helped my polocrosse and I loved every minute of my stay there.
The scholarship normally lasts over a month but it was cut short because of the New Zealand Junior Polocrosse Tour.
I met up with my parents and the rest of the New Zealand team on the 11th July and was able to ride my horse Chicken for the first weekend with the New Zealand Team.
The Australian people were so hospitable and very generous. They play mean as polocrosse and helped me to improve my game so much. They gave me their best horses and gear to use, I even got to borrow a $4000.00 Syd Hill saddle.
Whanau from Tuwharetoa travelled to Australia to support us, it made a big difference having whanau there. Whanau from all over NSW who came to tautoko and bring us kai like smoked fish heads, wild pork and watercress, even puha and venison too. There were even Maori people I didn’t know who came to support and look after us. My cousin Taumaihiorongo and I felt really lucky because we had lots of whanau support.
I stayed on a ranch with the Hyde Whanau for a little while, they breed Australian Stock horses and have a stallion called Doctor Jeckyl - mum and dad came and stayed a night with the Hydes too, they hosted us and made us feel so welcome.
The exciting thing was winning the International Series and beating the U.S.A team
My goal is to get into the World Cup Team and keep working hard to get better and better.
Thank you once again for your support.
A big thank you to The Anderson Whanau, Aunty Miriama for being the best Team Manager and to Paddy Cornelius for all of your hard work and commitment as our Coach.
Heoi ano
Naku noa
Peter-John Tamaikoha Dempsey |
