At our end of year awards dinner late last year, one very special recipient wasn't able to be there to receive her award in person. Recently we were finally able to make it official - 2023 NZ Medal awarded to Meryn Hinton.

From joining the Hawke's Bay Canoe Polo committee in 2011, to co-founding not one but two clubs, to becoming the backbone of our national programme - Meryn's contribution to this sport is nothing short of extraordinary.

She helped grow Canoe Polo Hawke's Bay from sending 2–3 teams to competitions each year to sending up to 10. She was the driving force behind Havelock North Canoe Polo Club and the school programme that has gone on to win regional and national championships. She and Trevor built Eastern Canoe Polo Inc from the ground up and created an entirely new region within NZ Canoe Polo.

And then came the national stage

Taking on the role of NZ Squads Manager in 2020, Meryn became the solid foundation that our national teams are built on. She has managed campaigns to some of the biggest canoe polo events in the world - travelling to Italy, Canada, France, Northern Ireland, China and Australia, coordinating the enormous logistical effort it takes to move NZ teams across the globe and ensuring every campaign runs smoothly from start to finish.

But her NZ involvement goes far beyond just the elite teams. Meryn also created the 'Road to Development' programme - a hugely well-received annual campaign that serves as the pathway for our next generation of NZ representatives.

Since 2016 she has been manager to many NZ teams, and the respect those players have for her is immeasurable. To them she isn't just a manager - she's 'Mez'. She has built deep, lifelong relationships with players, coaches, and managers alike, and those bonds are a testament to the kind of person she is.

Thank you Meryn for everything you have given and continue to give to a sport and a community you so clearly love.

Article added: Saturday 21 March 2026