AGM 2025 Nominations and Results
New Zealand Māori Hockey Kaunihera Welcomes New Treasurer and Farewells Secretary
At the 2025 Annual General Meeting, New Zealand Māori Hockey confirmed several key appointments to its Kaunihera. These changes mark an exciting new chapter for our organisation as we continue to strengthen leadership, build capability, and support the growth of Māori hockey across Aotearoa.
Jarrod Thorne
New Zealand Māori Hockey is proud to announce the appointment of Jarrod Thorne as our new Treasurer. Jarrod brings a wealth of experience as a Project Manager, with over five years of expertise in delivering business improvement initiatives across both technical and non-technical fields. Currently with Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Waikato, he plays a key role in leading clinical application and support programmes across the Te Manawa Taki region. Previously, during his time at Spark Waikato, he delivered major Microsoft technology solutions for a wide range of clients. Jarrod’s leadership, strategic thinking, and passion for enabling people and improving systems will be invaluable to the ongoing success of NZ Māori Hockey.
Ethan Hohneck
We also acknowledge and farewell Ethan Hohneck, who has served as Secretary for the past six years. Ethan is a highly skilled IT and GIS specialist with more than 20 years’ experience working across government and private sectors in Aotearoa, Australia, and the United Kingdom. A business owner and technology expert, Ethan has contributed far beyond his secretarial duties — including developing and implementing the NZ Māori Hockey website through his own company.
Ethan has also been the mastermind behind countless tournament draws, a major and often thankless task that requires immense attention to detail, fairness, and time commitment. His professionalism, dedication, and willingness to take on every challenge have made a lasting impact on NZ Māori Hockey. We extend our sincere gratitude to Ethan for his outstanding service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Māori hockey.
Tracy Emonds
We also welcome Tracy Emonds as our incoming Secretary. While Tracy describes her position as temporary, her enthusiasm and willingness to contribute are greatly appreciated — and we look forward to seeing what the future brings.
In addition, Taitokerau welcomes a new delegate, Vicki Gribble, who joins the Kaunihera representing her rohe alongside current delegate Margi Kay. We warmly welcome Vicki and look forward to her involvement in advancing Māori hockey throughout Aotearoa.
Continuing Leadership
Gail Ambler
Continuing in her role as Chair, Gail Ambler will continue to lead the organisation into the future — supported by the wisdom and guidance of our Kaumātua and Kuia, Kahu and Joy Ripia, and our dedicated mentors, patron and elders, Shelley Hiha, Rawiri and Renee Wright, and Cath Dewes and others. Together, they are committed to implementing new and improved strategies that strengthen Māori hockey at all levels, from grassroots to national representation.
Gail is a highly skilled administrator with more than 25 years of experience supporting local organisations and communities. Her background includes extensive work with whānau, rangatahi, and kaumātua — offering advice, mentorship, and practical guidance in areas ranging from wellbeing to business operations. Her outgoing personality, confidence, and structured approach foster strong relationships within every team she leads.
Gail currently serves on the Bicultural Group with Hockey New Zealand, as well as with Hockey Northland and Springfield Hockey, where she continues to advocate for inclusive and culturally grounded development across the sport. Her leadership reflects the values of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and kotahitanga, which remain at the heart of NZ Māori Hockey.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward into 2026 and beyond, NZ Māori Hockey remains dedicated to fostering growth, connection, and excellence in Māori hockey. Guided by our values, our leadership team, and the support of our whānau across Aotearoa, we continue to build pathways that empower our players, strengthen our communities, and uphold the proud legacy of Māori hockey.