About Parrs Park and Waitakere City

Parrs Park is a suitable venue for an Indigenous event as it is near the local marae, Hoani Waititi.  Hoani Waititi marae is made famous by the Māori educationalist Hoani Waititi from whom the marae is named.  It is where one of the very first kohanga (pre-school language centre) in the country was established.  The kohanga was followed by the building of a Kura Kaupapa Māori (Primary schooling) and Whare Kura (intermediate to secondary schooling).  Hoani Waititi marae is also the home of Manutaki, a famous and respected roopu kapa haka (Māori performing arts group).  Manutaki have won many national titles under the leadership of Dr. Pita Sharples, who is the current Member of Parliament for the Tamaki Electorate in Auckalnd and Co Leader of the Māori Party.

Parrs Park is also home to the Oratia Soccer Club where literally hundreds of young soccer players turn out early Saturday mornings to show off their skills and aspire to becoming another Winton Ruffer and perhaps one day, represent the All Whites.   You will also find many families running around with a touch ball in the summer evenings.  You can take a relaxing stroll around the perimeter of the park along the public walkway which joins to a well resourced children’s play area and public amenities.  The walkway is used extensively by the general public as are the fields which are kept in immaculate condition by the Waitakere City Council staff.

Waitakere City, with it’s Eco Green image, is one of the busiest Cities in Auckland with a number of cultural festivals, arts and crafts shows and markets happening on a regularly basis.  Not to mention that the 2007 Netball World Cup will be held in Waitakere City as well.  Click on the Waitakere City website www.waitakere.govt.nz for a monthly update on what’s happening in Waitakere City.

 

World Indigenous 2008

Māori Touch NZ invite all Indigenous Nations to participate in the Inaugural World Indigenous Touch 2010 Tournament.

Tēnā koutou katoa.  Nau mai ki tēnei whārangi kōrero e pā ana ki te Whakataetae tuatahi mo ngā Iwi Taketake ote Ao.  Nau mai haere mai.

Greetings to everyone.  Welcome to this information page regarding the very first World Indigenous touch tournament.  Click to this page for all information and updates on the World Indigenous 2010 tournament.  This is the first of monthly updates that will be posted.  It is an exciting time as Indigenous Nations register their intent to participate at the tournament. 

Registrations to date have come from Ireland, Samoa, Cook Island, Fiji, Australian Koori, Chinese, Pacific Unity and Japan with Māori being the host Indigenous Nation.  There is still a window of opportunity for Indigenous Nations, which are thinking about registering but haven’t done so, to register. But you need to do so as soon as possible because all team entries close on November 1, 2007.  It is now August 2007 and the months are disappearing quickly.

The inaugural World Indigenous Touch 2008 tournament is proudly supported by Waitakere City Council.  Waitakere City is supporting Māori Touch NZ with a suitable venue for a World class event that will showcase indigenous culture, sporting talent and natural flair. 

It is anticipated that between 6,000 to 8,000 spectators are expected to be entertained throughout the tournament with indigenous clothing and craftwork, indigenous food, songs & dancing, examples of indigenous health and welfare, education opportunities and sponsorship promotions.  It will be all happening at Parrs Park in Glen Eden, Waitakere City, Aotearoa, New Zealand.

A set of Guiding Values for the tournament were established to respect the wishes of Indigenous Nations.  The Guiding Values highlight the want by Indigenous Nations to field teams with players who represent their indigenous nation of origin.  That cultural practices and beliefs can be carried out in a safe a caring environment.  That indigenous identity is strengthened through sharing each other’s cultural uniqueness.

The following table explains the proposed programme, tournament Guiding Principals and grades.

PROPOSED PROGRAMME	TOURNAMENT GUIDING VALUES	GRADES
Day One 23 Jan 2008 Hoani Waititi Marae; Powhiri & Civic Function Day Two 24 Jan 2008 Parrs Park, Glen Eden: March Pass, Official Opening, Games Begin Day Three 25 Jan 2008 Parrs Park, Glen Eden: Tournament Games Semi Finals Day Four 26 Jan 2008 Parrs Park, Glen Eden: Final Games, Prize Giving, Closing Ceremony Waitakere Rugby Club; Night Function	Tino Rangatiratanga (Autonomy) To have all participating Indigenous Peoples representing their nation by whakapapa by blood links to their Nation of origin. Tikanga (Cultural Practices) To provide opportunity for Indigenous Peoples to practice their protocols according to their beliefs and practices. Whanaungatanga (relationships) To strengthen our Indigenous identity through gathering, sharing and enjoying each others uniqueness. Manaakitanga (Caring for) To look after visitors to our country and city. Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship) To look after the game of Touch and play by the rules of the game. Tutuki Pai (Success) To strive for success for our Indigenous Nations.	Under 21 Female, Male, Mixed Open Female, Male, Mixed VENUE Parrs Park Glen Eden Waitakere City DATES 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, January 2008

Māori Touch NZ welcome any feedback in regard to the proposed World Indigenous Touch Tournament.
Email – ngawatic@ihug.co.nz or contact Gerard/Carol Ngawati 09 816 9365
‘Intent of Entry’ due by end of November 2006. Email - maoritouchnz@xtra.co.nz Confirmation of Teams (July 2007)

Tournament Director: Dave Kukutai
Referee Director : Tony Kinnear - tkinnear@xtra.co.nz Referees who are interested in submitting your names please contact Tony Kinnear. (a pre requisite for selection to ref at the World Indigenous is that referees need to ref at the Māori Touch Nationals)