Hockey: Japan sixth tournament team

Black Stick Emily Naylor has been living in Hawke's Bay and has watched the progress as the event has taken shape. Photo / Getty

Japan has been confirmed as the final participant in the inaugural women's six nations hockey tournament in Hawke's Bay next year.

The world's ninth-ranked side will join hosts New Zealand (5th), Argentina (2nd), Australia (4th), China (7th) and Korea (8th).

Hockey New Zealand chief executive Malcolm Harris said the tournament had the potential to grow into one of New Zealand's most-loved sporting events.

Malcolm was in the region today meeting event organisers and visiting the Sports Park where the asphalt is down and the turf is due to be laid in the new year.

"We believe this event will attract the world's top teams, and their supporters, to the region in years to come and a world class facility like this will help make even more of a spectacle,'' Malcolm said.

Black Stick Emily Naylor has been living in Hawke's Bay this year and has watched the progress as the event has taken shape.

"To have teams of such a high calibre coming in the inaugural year is a good sign - we know they will have a great time in the Hawke's Bay and will want to come back again,'' Naylor said.

The tournament is scheduled from April 5-13. As part of the festival there will also be an affiliates tournament where the following men's and women's teams will play: New Zealand Maori, New Zealand Indians, Australian Country, Hawke's Bay, National Seniors and Masters 35+ teams.

The festival will also provide an opportunity for Hawkes Bay secondary school teams to showcase their skills in curtain-raiser games.

Meanwhile, Hockey New Zealand confirmed it will hold its annual meeting in Napier followed by an awards dinner on Saturday, April 12.