February 02, 2026

#hakinakina Rangatahi Tama Tournament Set to Ignite Māori Rugby League Spirit in Rotorua

Matthew Tukaki Posted On February 2, 2026

The Aotearoa NZ Māori Rugby League (NZMRL) has officially announced details for one of its most anticipated events of the year: the Rangatahi Tama Tournament 2026, set to bring together young Māori rugby league players from across the motu in Rotorua later this year.

Scheduled for Saturday 30 May to Sunday 31 May 2026, the Rangatahi Tama Tournament will see 15s and 17s male divisions compete over two days of high-intensity matches and community celebration. Participation is open to rangatahi born in the designated years for these age grades – a structure designed to ensure a fair and competitive tournament for all involved.

As part of NZMRL’s national calendar of tournaments, Rangatahi Tama provides vital pathways for young league players to develop their skills, whakapapa connections and leadership on and off the field. These tournaments nurture the passion and aspirations of Māori players and whānau from tamariki through to tuakana, reinforcing the cultural heartbeat of Māori rugby league.

The NZMRL also runs a full cycle of events throughout the year, including Teina Kōtiro, Rangatahi Kōtiro, Teina Tama, Mātātahi, Tamariki and the Tuakana Tournament later in October in Auckland – all stages on the journey for young players within the Māori rugby league community.

Organisers say that Rangatahi Tama is more than just a competition – it’s a celebration of whanaungatanga, mana and Māori identity in sport. The tournament offers a platform for rangatahi to showcase their talent, represent their rohe and strengthen bonds with other Māori communities through tākaro whutupōro.

For whānau, coaches and supporters, the Rangatahi Tama Tournament 2026 in Rotorua promises a weekend of thrilling league action and cultural pride, as the next generation of Māori rugby league stars take to the field.