Basketball team brings home gold

Back row left, Rory Rogan, Lachlan Crate, Jytique Russell, Hoani Rogan, Tui Wirihana and Eruera Rautahi, front, Richie Stephenson, Ryder Crosswell, Marino Rimene and Oshay Hamiora Rogan.

Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki nui-a-Rua basketball teams notched up more success at the National Maori Basketball Tournament in Rotorua late last month.

Four teams attended the tournament which ran from Tuesday, January 26 to Saturday, January 31. It's traditionally held on the closest date to Waitangi Day.

A total of 294 teams from throughout New Zealand took part in the tournament.

Ngāti Kahungunu's under-15 team won its grade to bring home gold while the mixed adult team was placed third. The under-13 and under-17 teams also competed.

This was the third year Ngāti Kahungunu teams have taken part in the tournament and in that time have brought home five medals - three golds and two bronze.

A group of 50 travelled with the team and these included under-15 and under-17 coach Eruera Rautahi, under-13 coach Karina Mihaere and mixed team coach Jarna Mihaere.

Rautahi, who co-ordinates the Ngāti Kahungunu teams, said the tournament provided an invaluable experience for the players as they were not often able to take part in events such as this.

He said he was proud of the teams and the way they bonded throughout the tournament.

Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki nui-a-Rua chairman Hayden Hape said in terms of being proud of the teams he was particularly proud of their participation in the first place.

"But for our teams to come home with medals makes it even more special."

The tournament is hosted by New Zealand Māori Basketball Aotearoa to promote basketball, te reo, friendship, goodwill, mutual understanding and to enjoy healthy competition among Māori iwi.