Waiariki are queens of Maori netball

Host region Waiariki won the overall title at the Aotearoa Maori Netball Tournament in Rotorua this weekend.

For the 25th anniversary of the tournament, teams and supporters from ten regions around the country returned to the city where the first tournament was held.

The highlight for home supporters was Waiariki's victory in the under-19 competition, where they finished joint winners with Aotea. The two sides had to settle for sharing the trophy after they each suffered one loss in the round-robin format competition.

Waiariki under-19 coach Waana Araroa said her team's hopes of winning the title for the second consecutive year seemed dashed when they lost to Aotea yesterday morning - until Aotea then went down to Tainui.

"We thought we were out and a round later we were back in it, it was so exciting," she said.

Araroa said the majority of her side had come through the age groups together, all playing Maori netball for Waiariki since the under-13s.

"What's pleasing is they are coming back year after year," she said.

Araroa said tiredness had come into play on the second day of the "really testing" tournament but she was delighted with how her players performed, singling out mid court player Simmon Howe (Opotiki) and defender Dayna McGregor (Rotorua) for special mention. She said McGregor and teammate Maraea Tipene had a good chance of selection in the Aotearoa Maori Secondary Schools side.

Araroa was impressed by the quality of netball on display over the weekend.

Tamaki Makaurau displayed their dominance in the younger age groups, winning the under-13 and under-15 competitions. The premier competition was won by Ikaroa ki te Raki while the under 17 title was won by Tainui. Waiariki were crowned overall winners thanks to their consistent performances across all grades.