On top of the Tribal League table | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

Nga Hau e Wha o Whakaahurangi is a cultural mix of Stratford players who sit at the top of the Tribal League table after winning their first five games.

The team said they derived their name from the four winds of Nga Hau e Wha, which depicted the four pillars of the world, and Whakaahurangi for the strength and wisdom of the Rangatira chieftaness Rua Putahanga, (who named the area on her way from Kawhia to Stratford).

Their players come from the Pasifika Islands, with Maori and European, who play side by side as Kiwis, underscored by their passion and concept of whanau.

They said their bond is what gave their team that awesome feeling of family.

Their winning streak began last year when they won the Best Haka Award for Taranaki, a requirement of each league team.

Coached by their cultural advisor Shane Cassidy, they performed their winning haka, Nga Hau e Wha o Whakaahurangi.

And this year they're working hard to take the top haka prize again.

The team is coached by James Manual and managed by Hondo Toopi, who said the committee was very proud of what the team had achieved.

"Thanks to Don Oaks and Robyn Chard (New Commercial Hotel), our supporters and to all those who have contributed to the success of Nga Hau e Wha Whakaahurangi.

"Without your help we would not have made it this far in the competition. Come join us this week at the Page St grounds this Saturday," said Hondo.

The team's wins:

September 1, Ngati Te Whiti v Whakaahurangi, 28 - 44; September 8, Ngati Ruanui v Whakaahurangi, 28 - 40; September 16, Te Atiawa 2 v Whakaahurangi, 20 - 38; September 22, Nga Ruahine v Whakaahurangi, 24 28; September 22, Puke Ariki v Whakaahurangi, 16 30.