Onyx Manawa Masters Marching Team

Time to start with our thank you!

Onyx Manawa is thankful to Pub Charity Limited for helping us reach NZ Champs in Wellington.

We've achieved something amazing, securing 3rd NZ Champion Masters Team, and the team and officials truly appreciate your support.

Proud is an understatement today.
From weekly trainings to road trips, from laughter to the tough moments, this team gave everything they had on the field the last 2 days at the New Zealand Championships.

Ten determined women marching as one, each with their own personality, strengths, and story — but united by the same goal.

Step by step, line by line, we trusted each other, supported each other, and proved what teamwork really looks like.

To every marcher, coach, manager, supporter, and family member — thank you for the heart you put into this team. Results like these don’t just happen. They come from dedication, patience, and believing in each other.
🥉 3rd Technical Drill
4th Display
🥉 3rd NZ Champion Team

Not just results, but memories, friendships, and pride that will last far longer than the competition.

So proud to stand beside every one of you. Onyx Manawa — you did us proud. 🩶🖤🤍

MEET THE TEAM COACH - STACEY

My name is Stacey.
I started marching at the age of 7. I have been involved in marching for around 25 plus years had a bit of time off to have 3 beautiful children 2 of them also strongly involved in marching. I had no say in it as my mum granny and aunties all marched or coached and chaperoned.
Marching was and still is my favourite sport to be involved in.
I marched most of my life in South Otago [Balclutha] and coached South Otago Kiwi team then Clutha Guards U18’s and Seniors.
I then marched for Onyx Seniors and Masters.
I have enjoyed meeting new and life long friends.

Super proud if this lot 3rd tech and over all 3 champion team.

MEET THE TEAM - ROSE

Kia ora koutou
My name is Rose . I've been marching since I was 10 years old and honestly say it's been a rollercoaster ride.

Marching has taught me so much more than just how to keep in step. It's shown me the true meaning of teamwork , how we all rely on each other to create something amazing. It's about unity, coming together with a shared goal and supporting each other every step of the way.

Marching has brought me closer to some of the most amazing people, and I'm so grateful for the friendships formed over the years.
If I'm not marching, you can find me running the country , my new passion of mine!

MEET THE TEAM - NIKITA

My name is Nikita, I started marching when I watched a friend doing it and wanted to give it a try and never left. I marched in Onyx u12's and u16's and made alot of friends in the process and thats when I gained my amazing marching family.
I gave coaching a go and had a lovely wee team called Onyx minions in the kiwi grade.
As I got older and grew out of the u16's I went on to march for Onyx seniors, EK Onyx, Clutha Guards, blue Jay and Unite. I then had a couple of seasons off until I was finally old enough to join the masters this season.
Marching became a huge part of my life at home as my sister decided to march for a while and then my mum became chaperone for the u12's for many years and Dad became camp Dad at away competitions.

I am really greatful for my family, coaches,chaperones and team mates throughout the years for all the love and support during these times.

MEET THE TEAM - MAREE

My first introduction to marching was when I was 8, my elder sister was marching and my mother gently pushed me in the direction for my first practice with Brockette Midgets.
I then went on to Windsor/Edinburgh Guards juniors and seniors both instructed by Shona French.
The highlight of those seasons in Edinburgh was in the juniors when we won South Island Champs in plan and display 1978 and at NZ Champs 3rd plan/1st display 1979.
Loved that uniform, mum was chaperone and we won uniform numerous times.
Over the past years I marched for Heffs Dunedin City Guards, Dunedinites (leisure) which was another highlight, most of the ladies are still marching and are amazing xx
Leisure wasn’t quite doing it for me, as I still had that competitive streak inside me, so here I am at 62 marching for this awesome team in my 7th season back.

Balclutha santa parade 2025

MEET THE TEAM - DEANNE

At eight years old, my marching journey began,
A timid young girl, with a future not yet planned.
Now fifty-eight, still stepping in time,
Decades of dedication and striving to shine.

Years rolled by with stops and starts,
But marching stayed stitched into my heart.
Collected memories like badges worn,
Friendships blooming, lifelong and warm.

I have travelled far, across towns and green fields,
Finding joy in the journey each season reveals.
Marching is not just a hobby I keep,
It is my happy place, my soul’s steady beat.

It is my fitness plan, my social life too,
A world full of teammates who always come through.
Friendships that last longer than routines,
Moments treasured deeply, brighter than they seem.

And this season I stand where I love to be,
Front rank fabulous as Onyx Manawa #3
With Tracy and Maree marching by my side,
Three hearts, one rhythm, in sync as we glide

Guided by Trudy and Stacey’s new light,
Their voices steady, their vision bright.
Through every formation, every stride
I march with purpose, with joy, and with pride.

A marching girl at eight, a marching woman today,
Still committed, still passionate, still able to remember display.

Wishing everyone a Christmas full of cheer,
And all the absolute best for a rewarding new year!