Christine Nukunuku is the central figure in Auckland softball’s most influential family.

She is the mother of two sons who starred in New Zealand’s 2004 world series campaign, with Dion winning his third gold medal to go with a previous silver in only four campaigns. Younger sibling Nathan took his second gold and is still in his early twenties.

But the impact goes further. The boys’ father Walter worked hard in their early years to ensure that both had the skills and attitude in preparation for international careers and then allowed them to go under the influence of top coaches and players to complete their development.

This has carried into the next generation and Dion, still a current international, is working with his father to promote the Metro club’s team and, under the outstanding Mark Sorenson, is the assistant coach of next year’s under 19 side to attend the world championships.

Dion is also one of the two people guiding the new-look Auckland regional men’s and women’s championships.

Christine, a senior executive at Villa Maria Wines, is the statistician, scorer and media promoter in Auckland and is a positive force in all areas.

Nathan does the same with Ramblers, Auckland and NZ and sister Teena Hireme has been a premier men’s coach as well as running the local website. Her husband John is one of the coming top pitchers in the country.