Our Premier Women: A Season That Changed the Game

Rimu Reporter
2 days ago
4 min read

EnviroWorks Hikurangi Premier Women’s Team

2026 has been a standout year for Hikurangi, with the return of something many in our community have hoped to see for a long time. After more than two decades without a women’s side, the EnviroWorks Hikurangi Premier Women’s Team took the field and brought fresh energy, pride, and inspiration to our town.

Earlier in the season we had the chance to sit down with the team and hear their stories. Now, with the season wrapped and several of our players earning selection into the Northland Kauri squads, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate what this group has achieved for Hikurangi.

Building something new

The idea to rebuild a women’s programme began right here in Hikurangi. Premier Women’s co‑coach Cory Abraham was attending junior prizegiving when he noticed how many young girls were proudly wearing red and black. It struck him that once they reached senior level, there was no pathway for them to continue with the club. That moment sparked the creation of a new women’s team.

With Cory and Erics backgrounds in coaching and elite performance management, Cory felt the pull to make it happen. It wasn’t easy. The club needed numbers, support, and a whole lot of belief. But slowly, through local connections and outreach across Aotearoa and overseas, the squad came together.

“We don’t pay players,” Cory said, “but we did everything we could to help them settle in and feel part of Hikurangi. Our club culture is about more than performance. It’s about creating an enjoyable and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.”

That culture has become the backbone of the women’s programme.

Stories That Show What Hikurangi is All About

The players who joined the Premier Women’s team brought with them a mix of backgrounds, experiences, and personal journeys.

Kat Cox, one of our Junior Committee members, grew up in Germany and knew very little about rugby. After watching her children play in the juniors, she decided to give it a go when the call went out for women to join. Kat says the environment has been supportive, welcoming, and full of encouragement. She loves the club and says it’s been amazing to see it grow.

Emily Fear, moved from New South Wales after Cory reached out. She says the biggest adjustment wasn’t moving from Sydney to rural New Zealand but switching from working on dump trucks in the mines to working on tractors at Piako Tractors! Northland life has suited her well and she’s settled quickly into the community.

“It’s such a welcoming club to belong to, totally different from the playing environment back home. Everyone looks after us, feeding us dinner after trainings and showing so much support. It’s great.”

Emily says the physicality of the game in Northland has been one of her favourite parts of the move.

“The game is much more physical than it was where I was playing in New South Wales, so I love it.”

Renae Nona, one of the Queensland players, moved over after playing in Brisbane. She says the connection within the team and the wider club is something special.

“It’s a fantastic club culture and a wonderful bunch of women. I’ve loved playing here.”

Players also arrived the United States, Waikato, and Invercargill. Local standout Tui McGeorge joined from Hora Hora to help grow the women’s game and support opportunities for future teams.

“We have so much talent locally. Seeing the competition grow is fantastic. Hikurangi has shown up for us on the side lines every week. It’s such a homely club and we can’t thank the community enough.”

A Community That Backed Them All the Way

One of the most meaningful parts of this season has been the support shown by Hikurangi residents. From shared meals after training to juniors watching the premiers warm up, the club and community wrapped around the team completely.

The women’s competition in Northland has also been outstanding. Every team wants to see it succeed, and the welcome shown to Hikurangi as the newest side has been unreal.

Joining a rural club can be daunting, but the players say it has been one of the best parts of their experience. The community has backed them, encouraged them, and celebrated every milestone.

Achievements That Make Hikurangi Proud

While the team didn’t make the finals in their debut season, the growth, pride, and commitment shown every week has been something the whole community can celebrate.

The individual achievements have been remarkable.

Northland Kauri Wider Squad Selections

Ten Hikurangi Premier Women were named in the 2026 Northland Kauri Wider Squad:

Georjah Ross
Talei Veitayaki
Emily Fear
Tui McGeorge
Lou Llido
Jazzy Byles
Paige Dudley
Renae Nona
Laura-Lee Walker
Renee Paniona
Bianca Aiono
Paige Andrew

This recognition reflects the hard mahi, resilience, and pride these players have shown all season.

Northland Kauri FPC Squad Selections

A huge congratulations to Tui McGeorge and Renae Nona on their selection in the 2026 Northland Kauri FPC Squad. Their leadership and commitment have been outstanding, and they continue to inspire the next generation of wahine rugby players.

NZ U18 Girls Pathways Squad

We also celebrate Georjah Ross, selected for the 2026 NZ U18 Girls Pathways Squad. This is an incredible achievement and a proud moment for her whānau, her coaches, and the entire

Hikurangi community.

More Than Rugby

This season has been about more than sport. It has been about creating opportunity, building pathways, and bringing new life into our community spaces. The women’s team has strengthened the connection between juniors and seniors, brought fresh energy into the clubrooms, and shown what can happen when Hikurangi backs its people. “We feel like we’ve got the balance right this year of fun and performance, and that’s shifted our culture,” Cory said. “It’s been awesome to see the women’s team bring new life into the club.”

The EnviroWorks Hikurangi Premier Women’s Team have set a foundation that will support generations of young women coming through our town. They have shown courage, commitment, and pride every time they stepped onto the field.

We couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved, and we can’t wait to watch them in 2027!

One Club. One Vision. One Purpose.

Photo Credit: Photos used with permission from KL Photo Drop