7 July 2003

Press release

Two outstanding local women have been honoured at a ‘Walkway of Fame’ unveiling in Waitakere City.

The achievements of world champion athlete Beatrice Faumuina and tireless community worker and former national sportswoman June Mariu were celebrated with the laying of granite plaques bearing their handprints.

The plaques were inlaid on Catherine Mall in Henderson (off Great North Road, outside the Westfield Shopping Town), alongside other Walkway of Fame inductees – rugby legend Michael Jones, decathlete Roy Williams, writer Maurice Shadbolt, musician Neil Finn, Maori educationalist Dr Pita Sharples and former mayor and councillor Assid Corban.

Both June and Beatrice spoke of their love for Waitakere City and its people and said they were humbled to receive local acknowledgement of their achievements.

From Te Atatu, June has represented the country in basketball and netball. Her induction is also recognition of years of community work. She is a member of the Aotearoa Fisheries Commission, national president of the Maori Women’s Welfare League and a former chairperson of the Henderson-based Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust.

Beatrice, of Glendene, is a world champion thrower who has won Commonwealth gold. In 2002 she was named overall Sportsperson of the Year at the National Samoan Sports Awards.

The Walkway of Fame was instituted by Waitakere City Council three years ago.

Ends