The 2005 TUNZ North Island Taekwondo Championships were held on the 18th April at the Ron Hardie Recreation Centre in Kawerau.

Attended by over 335 competitors from six different Taekwondo organisations, it showed that the unification of Taekwondo in New Zealand was moving forward and gaining valuable momentum.

The TUNZ ran a very professional and enjoyable tournament, held under WTF competition rules, managing three rings of non-stop action. On display was some exciting new talent coming up through the junior ranks, which was complimented by some excellent black belt bouts.

Outstanding performers in the Men's Black Belt divisions were Steve Rickard (Hutt City) who showed his class and control in the Middleweight division. Richard Lister (New Plymouth) showed his experience in the Welterweight division and Joseph Ukich (Titirangi) worked hard for his wins in the Heavyweight division.

Farah Robinson (Karori) continued her dominance of the women's Welterweight division with a strong performance while Hope Fairless (Auckland) won the Women's Heavyweight division.

Hayley Schofield (Hutt City) and Rebecca Waru (Titirangi) are clearly players of the future in the girls Black Belt division. Both fought cleanly and look good to go on to being successful in the future.

Bae Sol (Sejong) showed his class and speed in the boys Black Belt Lightweight division, with Kase Austin (Hawkes Bay) and Clement Richmond (Mount Putauaki) also performing well.

Others of note in the boys Black Belt divisions were Nicholas Dorman (Auckland), Shane Grace (ATKD), Jung Bin Lee (Auckland) and Brian Campbell (Auckland) all players to watch out for in the future.

The TUNZ would like to mention a special thankyou to the Mount Putauaki Taekwondo Club and especially to Ross and Trina Hayes and for their huge effort in hosting an excellent tournament.

Medal winners from the 2005 North Island Championships. (left to right) John shaw, Darren Ngarewa, Phil Bolstad, Tabitha Peck, Celeste Ngarewa, Shi-han Ngarewa, Lyteshar Drewery