The next generation of Māori netball talent has been unveiled, with fifteen outstanding kōhine selected for the 2026 Aotearoa Māori Netball Secondary School Programme following a highly competitive national selection process.
The Aotearoa Māori Netball Oranga Healthy Lifestyles Trust (AMNOHL) announced a squad of 12 players and three reserves after trials held over the weekend, bringing together some of the country’s most promising young Māori netballers.
Representing regions from Te Tai Tokerau to Ikaroa ki te Tonga, the selected players will now begin preparations for the Pacific Rim Series in Tāmaki Makaurau later this year.
The programme continues to play a vital role in developing Māori netball talent while strengthening cultural identity, leadership and connection among rangatahi athletes.
Selectors noted the exceptional standard of competition throughout the trials, highlighting the depth of Māori netball talent emerging across Aotearoa. The squad includes a mix of returning players from the successful 2025 campaign in Australia alongside several newcomers entering the national environment for the first time.
Head Coach Taz Tawhara said the selection process demonstrated a strong future for Māori netball, with players displaying high levels of skill, resilience and commitment to the kaupapa.
During the selection camp, the kōhine began building the foundations for their campaign by developing their own Ngā Pou e Whā framework, which will guide the team throughout the season. The squad will continue connecting through online wānanga before reuniting in camp ahead of international competition.
The 2026 Aotearoa Māori Netball Secondary School Team includes:
- Sailor Roebeck-Tua’a – Tāmaki Makaurau
- Te Ao Rangi Tawhara – Ikaroa ki te Tonga
- Leiria-Amoure Wharewaka-Vai – Tāmaki Makaurau
- Kiaarah Wilson – Tainui
- Sosina Malafu – Tāmaki Makaurau
- Zoe Jacob – Ikaroa ki te Tonga
- Caitlin Gabel – Tainui
- Aria Gardiner – Tāmaki Makaurau
- Georgia Barnes – Te Tai Tokerau
- Charlotte Tutavaha – Aotea
- Ivana-Maire Thomson-Laulu – Ikaroa ki te Tonga
- Maddi Zimmerman – Ikaroa ki te Raki
The reserve players selected are:
- Isabella Vaaitoa – Ikaroa ki te Tonga
- Bella Gardiner – Tāmaki Makaurau
- Calais Topia-Chelsey – Tainui
AMNOHL acknowledged all kōhine who participated in the trials, praising the dedication and commitment shown throughout the selection process. The organisation says the programme remains focused on supporting young Māori athletes to excel both on and off the court while representing their whānau, waka and communities with pride.
As preparations begin for the Pacific Rim Series, the 2026 squad will carry the hopes of Māori netball into another important year of competition and development.
