The Australia Country, NZ Māori, and NZ Pasifika Hockey Tri-Series was held at Smallbone Park in Rotorua after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tri-Series tournament, featuring Australian Country, NZ Māori, and NZ Pasifika teams, took place from 20-21st April 2024 at Smallbone Park in Rotorua. The event saw some thrilling matches and intense competition between the three teams.
The event kicked off with a traditional powhiri at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata for the NZ Māori Wahine and Kamatua. The following day a mihi whakatau (a traditional Māori welcome) was performed for the visiting Australian Country team.
The Australian Country tour manager, Michael Nelson, spoke about the long-standing relationship between NZ Māori Hockey and Australian Country Hockey, which dates back to their first meeting in Hamilton in 2004. He also mentioned their joint experiences in Fiji and how the relationship has continued over the years, including their participation in the Affiliates Tournament.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Australia Country has expressed its desire to revitalize the relationship and meet regularly on a 2-3 year cycle. This includes revisiting Fiji and strengthening ties between the two countries. Kahu Ripia, NZ Māori Kaumātua (elder), echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of nurturing these relationships and fostering greater connections between the two nations.
Overall, the Tri-Series was a great success, providing a platform for talented indigenous hockey players from around the motu to come together and compete against each other. We look forward to seeing how these teams will develop in the future.
NZ Māori Tane Team Report
Coach: Mark Kake, Tamaki Makaurau
Assistant Coach: Sam Hewett, Tamaki Makaurau
Manager: Ethan Hohneck, Waikato-Maniapoto
The Tane team convened on Saturday and faced off against NZ Pasifika Men at 5:30pm. Despite a close contest, the Tane emerged victorious with a 3-0 win. On Sunday, the Tane played Australian Country Men at 10:30am in a fiercely competitive match that went down to the wire. Unfortunately, the Australians prevailed 4-3. Later that day, the Tane faced NZ Pasifika Men once again and delivered a dominant performance, winning 5-0.
NZ Māori Tane
Billy Miskimmin, Waikato-Maniapoto
Bronson Baker, Taitokerau
Calum Grassick, Waikato-Maniapoto
Denym Clarke, Waiariki
Hael Pritchard, Tai Uru
Hoete Mitai, Ngatai Waiariki
James (Hemi) Hickson, Tamaki Makaurau
Kiharoa Iversen, Tamaki Makaurau
Liam Williams, Tamaki Makaurau
Mark Bell-kake, Tamaki Makaurau
Nick Parata, Waikato-Maniapoto
Solomon Kaihe, Tai Uru
Taimana Iversen, Tamaki Makaurau
TJ Hurunui, Tamaki Makaurau
Tuterangi Raharuhi, Waiariki
Te orangawairua Hohepa, Waiariki
Non-Travelling Reserves
Matariki Bennett, Waiariki
Rotorua, Taitokerau
Shaun Bignell-Tupara, Takitimu
Te orangawairua Hohepa, Waiariki
Trey McLeod, Takitimu
