The wero was laid by the whānau of the Te Tai Tokerau Māori rangatahi team to provide something different, that goes beyond the scope of netball, and challenges traditional sport models.

Te Tai Tokerau Māori Netball responded to the whānau with “2022 He Timatanga Hou”, a programme that aimed to provide new experiences and opportunities for 100 Māori rangatahi wāhine and their whānau supported by Tū Manawa funding.

Traditionally their primary form of physical activity is “traditional netball”. He Timatanga Hou challenged their thinking which acted on the feedback they had been given around wanting something different and fun that incorporated team building activities.

Te Tai Tokerau Māori Netball fostered a safe and inclusive learning environment where wāhine Māori and kotiro felt comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their knowledge. Te Reo Māori and tikanga were infused throughout their kaupapa.

They had inclusive kōrero with their wāhine Māori, kotiro, coaches, managers, umpires and whānau throughout the kaupapa to ensure their perspectives and experiences were incorporated into the kaupapa and delivery process. They were flexible in their approach which meant that they could quickly implement feedback and change things along the way.

They encouraged critical thinking and reflection on the impact of colonialism and systemic oppression on Māori knowledge and ways of knowing, along with having the pleasure and excitement of having Heeni Hoterene present her invaluable insights of Maramataka. Her enlightening kōrero on the four phases of Maramataka was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The knowledge she imparted is of utmost importance in understanding the unique energy that each day possesses.

Check out the video clip – you can tell from their engagement, that the young wāhine Māori have loved every minute of the programme and have created a beautiful culture between them all.

Ka mau te wehi Te Tai Tokerau Māori Netball!