‘There is a pathway for us South Auckland girls’: The story of Sharne Pupuke-Robati

Socio-economic barriers often present major challenges for Pacific families in sport.

However, the journey of one athlete shows that pathways to achieving one’s goals do exist.

Sharne Pupuke-Robati is excelling in her sporting career. In an interview with Pacific Huddle, she credits her international success to the strong support systems she had during her schooling, including backing from the Tania Dalton Foundation.

In honour of the late Tania Dalton, the foundation pays tribute to a beloved mother and esteemed former Silver Fern by empowering young women to thrive in sports and life.

By supporting young women from different sports backgrounds through scholarships and mentoring, Pupuke-Robati shares the invaluable role the foundation played in her journey.

“When I was a part of that campaign, my parents couldn’t afford for me to travel to Belarus because it was $5000 for a one-week trip. “I have three other siblings that my parents needed to take around to school and sports, so my parents couldn’t afford to send me,” she says.

While the proud Tongan-Cook Islander acknowledges the financial burdens associated with sports, Pupuke-Robati also expresses deep gratitude to the foundation for being much more than just a financial support system.

“Being part of the Tania Dalton Foundation, they gave us mentors and helped guide us through sport, but they also financially helped us.

“I’m blessed to know Tania personally and for everything they’ve done for me because without them, I probably wouldn’t be able to go to all the nationals because they are so expensive,” she says.

Sharne Pupuke-Robati against the Australia Opals. Photo/Jeremy Ward/Photosport.

Pupuke-Robati feels fortunate to be part of such a special foundation, emphasising that her upbringing has played a crucial role in demonstrating to other young girls that a career in sport is possible.

Starting her basketball journey at the humble Māngere Recreational Centre, the power forward pays homage to her South Auckland roots.

“It’s super exciting because I grew up in Counties Manukau, so when I get to go back and see all the girls who are like that I think - that was me growing up.

“Them looking up to me thinking one day they could be like me just makes me super excited that there is a pathway for us young South Auckland girls, and that generation can grow up and have an opportunity,” she says.

Now residing in Melbourne, Pupuke-Robati faces a common challenge among many Pacific Islanders - homesickness.

But the support of her partner, George, allows her to thrive.

Sharne Pupuke-Robati with her partner George. Photo/Supplied

“He’s awesome. Without him I probably wouldn’t want to be over here by myself in Melbourne. Having George as that backbone travelling around with me so that I’m not homesick,” she says.

While her immediate family is still in South Auckland, Pupuke-Robati constantly draws strength from her parents advice, akin to what any loving parent offers.

“I get a bit sad sometimes when I miss out, but my parents are really good at supporting me. They say this is better than what we’re doing back at home. Home is not going to go away,”

“It will always go back to my family and the coaches along the way that helped me get here,” she says.

Having represented New Zealand several times, including her most recent performance in the Trans-Tasman showdown in May, she is now focusing on the Women's National Basketball League, where she will represent the Adelaide Lightning for the 2025/2026 season.

Pupuke-Robati is also a visionary when it comes to her future endeavours.

“My next goal is to go to the Commonwealth Games next year for three-on-three. Hopefully, I can get to the Olympics. Those are my ultimate goals,” she says.

Known to have a quiet demeanour, Pupuke-Robati remains closely connected to her roots. Bolstered by her family and wholeheartedly supported by her partner, she embodies a humble yet powerful force made up of many parts that drive her ongoing success.