International Hockey Federation : Maori Hockey

The New Zealand Maoris boast a proud record of sporting achievement at international level, with hockey just one of the sports to benefit from their athletic prowess.

The New Zealand Maori Hockey Council plays a crucial role in helping develop talented athletes and coaches who are nurtured after playing in provincial tournaments. Gill Gemming, CDO for Oceania, gives an insight into Maori hockey.

Te Kaunihera Haupoi Maori o Aotearoa (NZ Maori Hockey Council) is made up of one delegate from each of the eight rohe (region/province) around Aotearoa (New Zealand). In addition to these delegates, national team coaches, a Kaumatua, a Whaea, and the chairperson, secretary, and treasurer make up the governing body (Kaunihera) for NZ Maori Hockey.

The main objectives of the Kaunihera for NZ Maori Hockey are:

Increased Participation & Long Term Growth
Winning Performances
Producing International Champions
An Efficient & Effective Administration

There is a positive relationship between the Kaunihera of NZ Maori Hockey and Hockey New Zealand. This is especially strong in the area of coaching and development to ensure that the pathways within New Zealand Hockey are understood, that models already developed can be shared, and that opportunities are provided for Maori players, umpires, and coaches.

This year there were two Kaunihera representatives, Scott Woolf and Joy Ripia, invited to attend the Annual Hockey NZ Administrators Conference. This allowed relationships to be fostered further with the hockey administrators from around the country.

The main event on the calendar for NZ Maori Hockey is the National Maori Hockey Tournament held each year in October. Players are eligible to play at this tournament as long as they have Maori bloodlines.

The best players from each rohe are chosen to compete for regional dominance and also to further their own status by representing their country as part of one of the National Maori Hockey Teams.

However, a major factor for the weekend is the Whanaungatanga (family/belonging) that the tournament provides.

Players often say that the environment in their respective Maori teams and at the tournament itself is unique and something to cherish.

Part of that comes through as part of the Kapahaka on display throughout the tournament itself and at the Po Whakangahau on the final evening.

Teams support each other through Kapahaka with either Waiata (singing) or Haka (challenges) before, during, and after games.

The Po Whakangahau occurs on the Sunday evening of tournament and is a celebration of the Maori culture and Whanaungatanga where all rohe are expected to put on a performance for all other players and supporters.

The naming of the men’s and women’s under 21 trial squads are also named on the night. The evening is an opportunity to socialise with competitors and a great part of the tournament itself.

Finals are held on the Monday and prize giving is held at the conclusion of these games. It is here that the senior men’s and women’s teams are announced and which go on to represent NZ Maori Hockey in international fixtures against touring teams.

In total, 16 teams compete at the tournament – one men’s and women’s team from each of the eight rohe around Aotearoa. With coaches, administrators, and supporters, the tournament usually involves anywhere between 300-400 people. The eight rohe involved at the tournament are:

Taitokerau (Northland)
Tamaki Makaurau (North Harbour / Auckland)
Waikato / Maniapoto (Counties / Waikato / King Country / Thames Valley)
Waiariki (Bay of Plenty)
Tairawhiti (East Coast)
Aotea (Taranaki / Manawatu)
Takitimu (Hawkes Bay / Wellington)
Te Wai Pounamu (South Island)

This year, the tournament will be held in Waiariki in Rotorua.

An example of the specific coaching and development programmes offered was the camp organised to find the National Maori Under 21 men's and women's teams in February. In total, more than 30 athletes converged on Tauranga for a weekend which differs from 'normal' training camps, with focus not only on hockey, but on the cultural aspects which make Maori hockey unique. Time is put aside to ensure that kapahaka is included as part of the weekends activities.

Outside of the coaching staff of Jarrod Buchanan and Josie Morete for the women's squad and Grahame Bayley and Kahu Ripia for the men, an invitation went out to elite players to assist in the coaching of the squads.

Shaun Barnett and Brett Leaver (past/present Black Sticks) and Shane Wawatai (National Hockey League player) were on hand to pass on their knowledge acquired through playing hockey at the highest level. This was indeed a highlight for the players involved.

Another highlight was the haka performed by the men for the women's squad as they prepared to play against a local team from Tauranga adding a uniquely Maori touch to the game. The chosen teams now prepare for upcoming fixtures planned for later in 2006.