Whakataetae
Realising Potential
The Hopuhopu Sport Complex near Ngaruawahia has become the central location for the Māori Touch NZ national touch tournament since the inaugural tournament began in December 1998. The Māori Touch NZ national tournament is designed to encourage growth and participation of iwi, hapu, waka and takiwa teams at a national level.
The nationals encourage both rural and urban based Māori to unite under common ancestry through whakapapa. Iwi and hapu representation has increased over the past ten years reflecting whakapapa and whanaungatanga as the power base for common unity.
Traditional cultural protocols and practices are encouraged as part of rejuvenating, enhancing and maintaining iwi and hapu tradition. The Māori Touch NZ national tournament celebrates Māori tradition. The Po whakangahau (Celebration Night) encapsulates Iwi and hapu tradition through waiata and haka – and so the tradition through common ancestry is kept alive.
Tournament Grades
A major focus for Māori Touch NZ is nurturing and developing rangatahi (youth). Developing administrators, coaches, managers, selectors and referees is also important.
The national tournament recognises the support that is given by Kingi Tuheitia and Tainui Waka. Recognition is also given to,
- Iwi, Hapu, Waka or Takiwa,
- The contribution that people give as either a referee, coach, manager, administrator or volunteer.
- Rangatahi (youth) giving it their best on the playing field and while participating in kapa haka (cultural performance)
- Nurturing and rewarding those who have done their best to realise their potential.
- Fulfilling the aspirations of Māori wanting to be represented as Māori at an international event.
The Under 16 year rangatahi grade has proven to be popular throughout the country. A supreme effort is made by iwi, hapu, waka and takiwa organisations to produce and showcase untapped talent.
The Under 21 rangatahi grade consistently unleashes a foray of young Māori players with great skills and who play the game at a ferocious pace.
The Open grade showcases the agility of youth and the cunning of the more experienced masters of the game producing sublime performances. The Open grade produces some of the most outstanding Māori role models in the game of touch.
The Over 30 Mixed grade produces inspirational performances from some of the most experienced and knowledgeable players of the game. The tuakana (older sibling) grade is extremely competitive where little leeway is given between competing teams.
The Māori Touch Nationals offers participation for the following grades.
Tāne me te Wahine Hanumi Pakeke (Over 30 Mix)
Tāne (Men), Wahine (Women), Tāne me te Wahine Hanumi (Open Mix)
Tamatāne (Under 21 Men), Tamāhine (Under 21 Women),
Tamatāne me te Tamāhine Hanumi (Under 21 Mix)
Tamatāne (Under 16 Boys), Tamāhine (Under 16 Girls)
Referees
If you have good knowledge of the playing rules and the skill and passion to referee, you are encouraged to fill out a Referee Application Form by contacting Finney Davis, the Director for Referees, pack your whistle and boots and head off to Hopuhopu.
Training is offered, while you referee your games, and grading is offered for those who wish to transcend to a higher Touch NZ Referee Badge level.
Māori Touch NZ Referee Panel
Finney Davis (Director) email: finney.davis@hotmail.com Geoff Simmons (Administration), Te Puia Williams (Coaching)
