Whakataetae ā-Motu 2026

The 39th Aotearoa Māori Netball Oranga Healthy Lifestyles National Tournament will be hosted in conjunction with Te Tai Tokerau Māori Netball from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 April 2026 in Whangarei.

Friday 3 April 2026

Saturday 4 April 2026

Sunday 5 April 2026

National Pōwhiri - Friday

Haukāinga Tikanga / Process

Pōwhiri Process – McKay Stadium

1. Waka Assembly: Waka will assemble in the “pink area” labelled on the diagram, facing toward the yellow loading bay, where waka will be welcomed into McKay Stadium.

2. Ushers: Ushers will meet each waka in the carpark, holding waka banners, and will explain the tikanga and pōwhiri proceedings.

3. Taki: The taki will take place in the green area labelled on the diagram. Under Ngāpuhi tikanga, a tāne must accept the taki on behalf of any wahine. Once the taki has been accepted, the karanga will begin.

4. Order of Waka Entry

• Tainui·

• Tāmaki Makaurau

• Te Tai Rāwhiti

• Te Waipounamu

• Te Raki Paewhenua

• Aotea

• Ikaroa ki te Raki

• Waiariki

• Ikaroa ki te Tonga

5. Entry into McKay Stadium: The Haukāinga kaikaranga will welcome each waka. Each waka will enter led by their:

• Kawe Mate

• Taonga

• Kaikōrero

• Life Members

6. Kawe Mate and Taonga will be guided to the designated tables. The kaikōrero and other members of the manuhiri taumata will then be led to the Haukāinga taumata to harirū. Under Ngāpuhi tikanga, harirū takes place at the beginning.

7. Seating: Ushers will accompany the remaining members of each waka, including taonga and photo bearers, to their allocated seating.

8. Standing Protocol: Everyone must remain standing until all waka have been welcomed in and until the completion of the opening karakia.

9. Opening Karakia: Haukāinga will recite karakia for the Kawe Mate and Taonga, and to officially open the proceedings. Once the karakia is complete, everyone may take their seats.

10. Whaikōrero Begins: Haukāinga will begin the whaikōrero.

11. Manuhiri Speakers: Manuhiri kaikōrero will then be invited to speak. A waiata will immediately follow each speaker.

12. Waiata Tira: Waka without a kaikōrero will be invited to share their waiata tira.

13. Closing Whaikōrero: Haukāinga will then close the whaikōrero.

Netball Court Layout

Draw - Saturday

Links