Motueka’s position as the South Island’s roller hockey capital has been highlighted by the selection of two of the top of the south club’s rising stars for New Zealand teams.

Fifteen-year-old skaters Brodie Maru and Lila Scholes have both attracted the attention of the national selectors - Maru being chosen in the New Zealand Youth team and Scholes named in the NZ women’s development squad.

Maru will travel with the Kiwi under-17 side to Gympie, Australia for a three-test series against their Aussie counterparts in May. It will be his second time in national colours, having previously represented NZ at age group level in Auckland.

His rise to the upper levels of the demanding sport should come as no surprise, given his family involvement.

Brodie’s mum, Jody Maru, represented the NZ women’s team aged 16, his father, Brent Maru, is the president of the Motueka Roller Hockey Club plus a national coach and selector at youth level, while sister Tiegan Maru, 19, has been hugely instrumental in keeping the sport afloat in the area, and is a former NZ squad member.

With both sets of grandparents also previous members of the Motueka club, it was inevitable that Brodie would gravitate towards the sport. “He probably had his first pair of skates on before he could walk,” said Brent.

“He’s been exposed to roller hockey for a long time.”

“The selection of Brodie and Lila is another great feat for small town Motueka,” added Brent. “Our club has the most youth players in the country. Around 20 primary school children are being coached by Tiegan and Brodie each week.”

Brodie and Lila’s progression in the sport has taken a similar path. They are in the same year group, both work part-time for Sport Tasman at the Motueka Recreation Centre and train together at the club.

Kiwisport funding has also played a role in their development. Brodie coaches the sessions that Kiwisport money helps deliver to the younger kids, and both Brodie and Lila previously have been part of the classes that benefitted from previous funding.

Brent feels that being chosen to wear a silver fern and represent your country is testament to Brodie and Lila’s long-time commitment to the sport.

“Commitment to playing a minority sport is a key aspect that has served both of those players well. It is a big step from youth hockey to playing second division and both have made that step up very well.”

Roller hockey is very much a minority sport in New Zealand with players gaining competition by travelling to various tournaments, nationally and internationally, often as part of composite teams. Domestically they compete across under-17, senior division two, which involves masters and former top-echelon players, and division one level, which caters for rising stars.

With national recognition comes commitment to travel, and the ensuing costs, which Brodie and Lila have had to carry, with help from their families.

“From Lila’s point of view I know she has been fund-raising hard. For both families it is certainly not a cheap sport – a new pair of skates recently cost $800, the price of a new stick starts at $120 and they can last for a year or just three minutes.”

Roller hockey is a high-paced sport played on a dry surface, this being a wooden rink in Motueka, with teams of five, which include a goalkeeper, wearing traditional four-wheeled roller skates.

“It is a fast game that basically relies on players being quicker at changing skating direction and moving a ball than the next team,” said Brent.

Motueka will host the national champs over Labour Weekend. 

Photo Caption: International roller hockey reps Lola Scholes and Brodie Maru will each receive a $500 cheque from the Motueka club to help with their expenses.