EP9: Trish Hina - New Zealand's greatest sportswoman

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On today’s show we chat with New Zealand international sports star Trish Hina, better known as 'Chockee'. Trish has represented New Zealand in four sports – softball, touch, rugby union and rugby league.

Trish has been described as arguably one of New Zealand's greatest sportswoman, winning three women's rugby league World Cups and being named MVP in two of those tournaments. Trish was then selected into the 2010 Black Ferns World Cup squad who went on to win that tournament becoming the first women to win a league and a union World Cup. She was inducted into the NZ Rugby League Legends of League and has the honour of having the MVP medal named after her for the NRL Indigenous All Stars rugby league event.

Trish faced a major life challenge in 2011 when she was diagnosed with Stage-4 Kidney Disease ending her high performance career, but like anything Trish puts her mind to, she was able to overcome adversity and was back playing competitive sport in 2020 when she returned to rugby league for the National Women's Championship.

We chat with Trish about her nickname and how that came about and the influence her family and friends had on her growing up through her love for sport. We discuss the secret sauce that got her to the international stage and how culture is an important part of sport, both as a player and a coach.

Trish shares the feelings she had when diagnosed with CKD and how she was able to maintain a good mindset to get her back on the field. We also discuss how giving back through coaching has provided opportunities for other young wahine to play sport, either for fun or to go on to greater aspirations.

Trish's impressive CV is backed up by resilience, generosity and kindness which is evident within our kōrero, and we are truly grateful to be able to share her story with you today, so please enjoy.

Kia ora.