The Fuemana family have made a massive contribution to MPWPC over recent years. Margaret and Tony’s  children Jesse, Isaac, Jasmine, and Sam have all played, coached, and organised poolside in recent times with youngest child Levi currently coming though the age grades at the club. Margaret herself is a club mainstay and most recently has brought terrific energy and enthusiasm to our key Year 5/6 schools programme in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

We caught up with Margaret as we look forward to the water polo 2022 season and a return to the pool.

When did your family join the club

Jesse first played in 2011 to make up numbers in a team for Olympic Hopefuls. She had been training under Jane Logan as part of a home school water polo group at Manurewa. The others just joined as they were old enough.

What got your family interested in the sport

As home schoolers we were looking for a fun sport to join. Jane had been running Friday morning water polo sessions for a while and we joined just to see what it was like. Obviously we enjoyed it, and the people, and in time all five of our children have played.

What are some of the memories of your earlier years at Mountfort Park

Probably some of our favourite times were playing in the Year 5/6 and Year 7/8 tournaments at Mountfort that Jane and Terry used to run, especially because we could play with a home school team. Also the u12 Tauranga tournament is always a highlight! It's usually the first real competition and there's so much to learn and enjoy!! Being in a team that was really successful was an added bonus for Sam.

What have been some family highlights with Mountfort Park

Interestingly all of our children have played goalie for at least a season, although only Levi is still doing it on a regular basis. We've seen some great talents through the local home schooling community also, including Tai Nimo and Lyall Hill who went on to play for NZ at age group level. QBT is always fun, whether as a player, coach, ref, parent on the sideline or helping in the cafe. It's a great friendly atmosphere for all.... and it's local! Another highlight is social league because of the fun in playing with and against mixed teams of all ages (siblings playing together with other families of siblings seems to work well for us!). And of course, travelling across NZ to play (or cheer family on) at national tournaments, making good friends along the way. For Jaz a highlight was been being selected into the NZ development squad for her age group and playing National League.

What motivates you to lead our Year 5/6 Introduction to water polo programme

I love the Year 5/6 programme. We live in a country surrounded by water, being able to swim and be safe in the water is an essential skill for all New Zealanders I reckon. Water polo is a way to grow this confidence to another level. Year 5/6 is a great opportunity for people who have never had anything to do with the sport to try it out. It is a simple format where you get to learn AND put your new skills to practice in a game on the same day. It's hard work at first but every week brings huge improvement and fun. It's awesome seeing how much the young players improve and gain a real sense of achievement while having a blast. For me personally, I also love seeing the young coaches blossom as they learn to teach what they know and have a load of fun with the players at the same time. 

What has kept your family involved with the sport 

Essentially that the next sibling along has joined so we all support them! We found we really enjoy the sport!! - its hard physical nature, strong competition, team camaraderie and the opportunities it offers to grow as people! It's awesome. As our kids have gotten older they've taken on other roles as well. Jess has coordinated Year 5/6 and led the U12 programme at Mountfort and assistant coached at several other levels. Isaac started reffing but then discovered he enjoyed coaching. He has coached or assisted at U12 level through to U18s and does a great job mentoring younger coaches in the Year 5/6 programme. Jaz and Sam are both coaching now also. This has proved to be a fun and rewarding experience. Water polo has been a fun, challenging family activity for us and Mountfort has always been a family friendly place to be.

What is some advice for our younger families looking in at the club as an opportunity to get involved

1.Do it! U12s is a great place to start, but if you're keen, just start anyway. Give it at least three weeks of training before you make a decision.... it's hard at the beginning but the effort is worth it.

2. Make friends in Tauranga, Rotorua and on the Shore.... People who are happy for you to stay at their place randomly. That way you'll cut down the costs of following your kids to tournaments!

What is it about Mountfort Park Water Polo club that makes it so special

The family feel. The people. South Auckland is a great place to live. Can I just add a special THANK YOU from our family to ALL those who have played/ are still playing a huge part in making Mountfort Park Water Polo Club such a great place to be - I won't name you all because I'll miss someone.... but you are all amazing. Thank you!!!

Thank you Margaret and your family, we are very lucky to have you involved with the club!