November 26, 2006

Not every family has two world champions but softball's Nukunuku family is deep in the game.

Since arriving in Auckland from Hastings in 1985 the family has made an impact. Dion and Nathan, then with the Marist club, have won world titles with the Black Sox and both are in the team for the three-peat effort in February.

For Dion it is his fourth world title tilt, with a second and two firsts, as well as a gold in the world under 19 series in 1989. Nathan's gold came in South Africa four years ago to add to a silver at the under 19 series in 1997.

They also have the extra energy that helps a team to greatness. Nathan's transfer to Ramblers for last season sparked the side to the national club title and both men played for Auckland's winning national league side.

Christine and Walter started the family involvement by watching a niece. Then Walter started coaching while Christine scored the games. Her scoring ability has led to her appointment as deputy chief scorer for the northern region and a recent trip to the junior women's world series in China. Middle son Israel has played for Marist.

Dion and Walter, who pushed the boys along for years, are coaching Metro as that club returns to the top grade this season.

Daughter Teena has a deep coaching connection also, coaching the Pakuranga Pacers side from under 15 to the premiers in six years and gaining the respect of her players. Some are now reaching top level. James Aro and Jackson Popata played for the top Auckland side last season and Popata was in the last NZ under 19 team. Teena is having a season off after childbirth. She is married to pitcher John Hireme, so keeping the softball connection going.

Christine and Teena are key members of the Auckland promotion group and Teena's work promoted the Auckland Softball website.

Dion also married within softball, to Anthea Gabriel, sister of his good friend and Metro teammate Roman who is also a Black Sox star. One of the off-season highlights was the friends' standout song and dance contribution to the junior White Sox fundraising cabaret.

The brothers-in-law learned every dance to perfection, as did the girls, and showed spirit as well as style.

Hawkes Bay's loss was definitely a gain for Auckland softball.