Two Southland marching teams cleaned up at the South Island championships at the weekend, The Hokonui u18s defending their titles for the third year in a row.

Hokonui u13 and Hokonui u18 teams were part of a six-strong Southland contingent attending the champs in Christchurch.

Marching Southland publicity and promotions officer Sheree Hall said the younger team delivered a brilliant performance, achieving a clean sweep of victories across Champion Technical, Champion Display, Champion South Island U13 Team. 

Coach Levana Philip said their drive and determination enabled Hokonui U13 to smash their goals and retain their titles. 

"These beautiful, talented, dedicated, passionate young marches have made us all extremely proud.”

Co-coach Aaliyah Bartlett made her South Island Championships debut at the weekend as a coach. She said it was incredible returning home as a champion coach.

The Hokonui u18 team has now secured three consecutive championship titles, a remarkable feat that has not been seen in Southland for quite some time. 

Coaches Renee Morgan and Tracy McDonald said they couldn't believe it really happened, “we have done it again, and by no means was it easy, our girls really had to dig in, get their thoughts in the right space and get out on that field to give everything they have, and they did exactly that. 

“It’s a surreal feeling hearing your name called out as overall South Island Champions, it’s never expected but always a cherished moment, and one that our girls will always remember."

They said as coaches, this was just as precious for them - “watching our girls deliver a performance we’ve never seen before means they had it in them to win, they have grown in confidence, grown their friendships with each other, they were powerful in their performances and simply unstoppable."

They said the team had a very strong bond and this showed on the field.

“Both teams exhibited exceptional effort and dedication, investing numerous hours in training to compete against the top contenders in the region. Their hard work paid off, resulting in a well-deserved victory.”

As the competition drew to a close, most teams and officials will be taking a short break to rest and recover before Southland gears up to host the Marching New Zealand Championships in March 2025.

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