In a remarkable display of cultural pride and community spirit, five Kura Kaupapa Māori schools gathered on at Massey YMCA for a 3x3 basketball event. This initiative, driven by a shared commitment to Māori kaupapa and the well-being of tamariki and rangatahi, highlighted the power of collaboration and the importance of providing culturally authentic opportunities for young athletes.

The idea for the event was sparked when Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae reached out to Sport Waitākere, seeking a chance for their students to play basketball in an environment where they could fully express their cultural identities. Leroy Paul from He Oranga Poutama and Jemma Palmer our Youth Sport Advisor at Sport Waitakere quickly joined forces, determined to create an inclusive event that would allow these young players to be themselves, using their native language and embracing their heritage.

In preparation for the tournament, a series of workshops were held during May to enhance the skills and understanding of Poitūkohu 3x3 among the tamariki, rangatahi, and kaiako of the participating schools. These workshops not only boosted the players' confidence but also ensured they were well-prepared to compete. Additionally, a refereeing session was conducted for 12 high school students from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori O Puau Te Moananui A Kiwa. This session, designed to empower the students to referee in alignment with the principles of Te Reo Māori, included support from a referee educator on the day of the event.

The Kura Kaupapa 3x3 Poitūkohu tournament brought together 143 tamariki and rangatahi from:

• Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kōtuku
• Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae
• Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Nga Maungarongo
• Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Puau Te Moananui A Kiwa
• Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Raki Paewhenua

The event featured both a Y5-Y6 participation-centered competition and a Y7-Y8 competition with semifinals and finals, creating a vibrant atmosphere of excitement. The players communicated and expressed themselves freely in their native language, showcasing their skills and cultural pride.

Participants and spectators alike were deeply moved by the event's impact. One tamariki shared, “I haven’t been able to play sports where I don’t have to change my language,” highlighting the significance of such culturally authentic opportunities. A kaiako noted, “Normalizing our language for our tamariki in a setting where they normally have to adjust outside our kura walls is a positive step,” while a parent remarked, “To come to an event where our kids can participate with other kura and hear, see others that hold the same values is an awesome kaupapa, we need more of them.”

This event was made possible through the support of Foundation North, whose funding enabled the creation of an inclusive and empowering space for Māori youth. Moving forward, the organizers hope to inspire the community and stakeholders to continue providing opportunities for rangatahi to engage in sports while bringing their full selves, fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing overall well-being.

The Kura Kaupapa 3x3 Basketball event stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when we prioritize community, culture, and collaboration, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Article added: Thursday 18 July 2024