Head Manukura Anika Pihema named North Harbour Collegiate player of the year and selected for two national netball squads.

Balancing kura, netball, surf lifesaving, and leadership, all in a school day's work for Head Manukura Anika Pihema

Anika Pihema continues to impress on and off the court. At the recent North Harbour Netball Awards, she was named Collegiate Player of the Year, recognising her outstanding season representing both Orewa College and her club.

She has also earned selection into the New Zealand Secondary Schools 24-person squad and the Aotearoa Māori Netball Secondary Schools squad, a rare double honour.

Anika will join the NZSS squad over Labour Weekend, where two teams will be selected to compete in a quadrangular tournament, including visiting Australian sides. Later this month, she will travel to Sydney with the Aotearoa Māori squad for their international tour.

Alongside her sporting achievements, Anika is also serving as Orewa College’s Head Manukura, a role that comes with significant leadership responsibilities. Balancing schoolwork, netball, surf lifesaving, and kura leadership is no small task.

“Anika has been juggling surf lifesaving and netball commitments as well as her school work and mahi involved as our Head Manukura,” said Sports Coordinator Edith Miller.

We’re proud to celebrate Anika’s achievements and the dedication she brings to everything she does.

Photo credit: Pihema Whānau