Walkway of Fame

Two of the country’s most outstanding sportswomen- one past and one present- are to be inducted into a “Walkway of Fame” in Henderson.

Waitakere City Council last night unanimously agreed to include world champion athlete Beatrice Faumuina and June Mariu- a New Zealand rep in 3 different sports- into the walkway in Catherine Mall (off Great North Rd).

Their hand and footprints will be etched on granite slabs and placed into the walkway in a ceremony next month.

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

Mariu, from Te Atatu, is possibly unique in New Zealand sport, having represented the country in three different codes- basketball, netball and softball. Her induction is also recognition of community work over many years; she is a member of the Aotearoa Fisheries Commission, national president of the Maori Womens’ Welfare League, and a former chairperson of the Henderson based Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey says they are “typical westies”.

“They are both strong, talented and committed women who are true role models for young people,” he says.

It is the third year that “iconic westies” have been included in the walkway. Faumuina and Mariu join two other outstanding sportspeople previously inducted- All Black legend Michael Jones and athletics great Roy Williams. Also in the walkway are the likes of musician Neil Finn and author Maurice Shadbolt.

The latest inductions into the walkway capped a big sporting week for Waitakere City, with two other locals, Mils Muliaina and Kees Meeuws, earlier named in the All Blacks. Yet another pair, Troy Flavell and Rico Gear, were named in the New Zealand Maori side.

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