Waiāriki teams compete in national netball contest

The Waiāriki Māori netball waka at their marae stay in Rotorua on the weekend before the Aotearoa Māori Netball Oranga Healthy Lifestyles national tournament. Photo / Supplied

Tū Ora, Tū Kaha, Tū Mana, Tū Māori. Be Healthy, Be Strong, Be Proud, Be Māori.

That is the vision of the Aotearoa Māori Netball Oranga Healthy Lifestyles (AMNOHL) national netball tournament, which will be held in Wellington during Easter weekend.

There, the Waiāriki Māori netball waka under-13s, under-15s, under-17s and under-19s teams will compete against other waka from around the motu.

The Waiāriki netball region covers the central and eastern parts of the North Island, including Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatāne, Taupō and surrounding districts, reflecting a strong connection to the iwi and hapū of these regions. 

Waiāriki Māori netball was formed 38 years ago, producing exceptional netball talent as high-performance coaches and players, including current Waikato Bay of Plenty Avis Magics and NZ A team head coach Mary-Jane Araroa, Silver Fern and ANZ franchise players Erena Mikaere, Monica Faulker, Tayla Earle and Khiarna Williams to name a few.

Waiāriki Māori netball waka president Taneta Riki said 10 regional waka would submit up to five teams of up to 12 players to compete in this national tournament.

“AMNOHL is not just a netball tournament. AMNOHL is a movement created to promote healthy striving whānau through Māori wāhine.”

Riki said there was no other competition like it in the world, wrapped around te ao Māori.

“The event is not just a sporting competition,” Riki said. “It is a celebration of te ao Māori and a platform for young Māori wāhine to connect, grow and represent their regions with pride.”

Waikato Bay of Plenty Avis Magics head coach Mary-Jane Araroa has been involved with Waiāriki and AMNOHL as a player, coach, national head coach, regional executive, and national executive member for more than 30 years and was awarded life membership in early 2012.

“Most of my fondest memories are of coaching our young Aotearoa Secondary School teams and competing in the International Secondary Schools tournaments.

“Many players who started with AMNOHL are now playing in franchise teams and have received great exposure at these international events, leading to further selection for Netball New Zealand’s higher honours,” she said.

“We often observe competition events as a valuable opportunity to identify talent and skills.”

By watching how participants perform under pressure, Araroa could gain insights into the players’ skills, teamwork capabilities and mental toughness.

“There is nothing greater than having a sense of belonging or identification along with having the mana of standing strong as Māori.”

She said netball was the vehicle used to drive those elements of self-esteem, community and identification.

Magic and Silver Ferns goalkeeper Erena Mikaere said the tournament was instrumental in her growth as a young Māori athlete.

“It has fostered a deep connection to my roots, helping me understand the significance of my heritage and how I can embody that identity on the court. It serves as a platform to connect with a larger community.

“The AMNOHL competition is an unreal celebration of connection to te ao Māori through sport.”

Now she sends her 15-year-old daughter to the tournament every year to experience these benefits.

“It empowers her as a young Māori athlete, reinforcing that excelling in something is a path to be embraced, not feared.

“I am grateful for how Waiāriki and AMNOHL help her build confidence and connect with her whānau and her people. It’s an experience that offers so many invaluable lessons.”

Mikaere said Māori netball was pivotal in celebrating her culture and promoting values that resonated with her traditions.