Four Auckland secondary school pupils have experienced a lifetime highlight as the One New Zealand Warriors’ representatives at the 2024 NRL Indigenous Youth Summit in Sydney last week.

And it proved to be an exceptional experience for Mia Makoare from Sancta Maria College in South Auckland.

She distinguished herself as the first Warriors representative singled out as one of four ambassadors to make a presentation at the official opening of the Indigenous Round on Thursday.

Not only that, but in front of more than 200 guests, she emerged as the top girls’ ambassador from this year’s summit.

Other rangatahi selected for the trip to Sydney were Fayelin Paitai-Tuiatua (Auckland Girls’ Grammar School), Cyrus Holloway (De La Salle College) and John Mangu (Mount Albert Grammar School).

The students were selected in partnership with Hāpai Tūhono , an organisation which focuses on Māori youth and supporting their journey in life.

Bryan Marsh, Pou Tūhono said "Here at Hāpai Tūhono we believe that opportunities come along for a reason. Working with the Warriors Community Foundation is one of those opportunities where we can partner together for the benefit of our Rangatahi Māori."

They joined representatives from each of the NRL’s other 16 clubs for an event which seeks to blend cultural pride with educational aspirations, equipping young Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori students with the tools for success.

The four students met Warriors captain Tohu Harris, Dylan Walker and Te Maire Martin before leaving for Sydney to be presented with their club apparel.

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A huge thanks to NRL Community staff and Dhinewan Mentoring