Rangatahi Māori from across Aotearoa are competing in the annual Māori Basketball Championship, with teams battling it out for their iwi or rohe to be crowned champions.

The event, organised by Poitūkohu Māori Aotearoa, has been held annually in Rotorua since 2013.

The Rangatahi division, for players in the Under 8 to Under 16 age groups, wrapped up on Wednesday, while the Under 18s and older athletes, including those with disabilities, are participating in pool games today.

The organisers aim to make basketball the primary sport for Māori players, coaches, supporters, and spectators, highlighting the deep connection Māori have to the game.

They also emphasize that the roots of Māori Basketball are intertwined with the community’s commitment to the sport, and that players, coaches, and supporters carry te ao Māori values.

The competition will conclude on Saturday.