Iro receives lifetime achievement award

Cook Islands league great Kevin Iro has been honoured alongside the late Peter Fatialofa and boxer David Tua for his contribution to New Zealand sport.

Iro was one of six people to receive a Legendary Lifetime Achievement award at the recent New Zealand Pacific Islands Sports Awards.

The awards celebrate the sporting skill and leadership of Pacific Islanders in New Zealand.

Iro said it was a huge honour to be recognised alongside Pacific sporting greats such as Samoan rugby player Peter Fatialofa, who passed away at the start of November, and boxing giant David Tua, who retired last month.

“The night was awesome. It was good to represent the Cook Islands and see all the island groups there,” Iro said.

During his professional rugby league career, Iro was a stand-out player for the both the New Zealand and Cook Islands national teams.

His other achievements include playing for several top UK clubs, including the St Helens side which claimed victory in the Super League Grand Final in 2000.

Iro said he very nearly didn’t get to attend the awards evening two weeks ago.

“Originally they were going to do a prerecorded acceptance speech but then decided they wanted me to go over.”

The black tie gala event saw athletics titan Valerie Adams take out the award for Supreme Sportsperson of the year.

Iro is now manager of the Cook Islands league team and recently accompanied the side to the Rugby League World Cup in England.

He said his lifetime achievement plaque is on the mantelpiece at home.