Māori cricket showcased in first national tournament

The inaugural national Māori men's cricket tournament will be the first time some regions have recognised their Māori representatives.

The tournament will see five regional teams competing in a series of Twenty20 matches at Cobham Oval and Kensington Park in Whangārei over Easter.

The competing teams will be Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Northern Māori (Northern Districts), Central Māori (Central Districts), Te Whanganui-a-tara (Wellington), and Te Waipounamu (South Island).

Alistair Alcock (Rongomaiwahine), a former Central Districts representative and Te Whanganui-a-tara coach, said it was a great opportunity for Māori players.

"The kaupapa for this tournament is bigger than any individual or team - it's a chance to establish Māori cricket as part of the cricket landscape and provide opportunities for Māori players to connect with players from other rohe," Alcock said.

"It's also a great chance to pit one's cricket skills against the top Māori players from other associations and Iwi."

Northern Māori representative, Mikaere Leef (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pūkenga), said the concept was a brilliant initiative.

"Growing up I never imagined a National Māori Tournament would happen, so it's pretty cool for young Māori cricketers to be able to see this tournament and aspire to play in it one day.

"It will be great to get Māori cricket in the public eye, and get people excited about Māori cricket and the benefits it can bring to New Zealand Cricket as a whole."

Teams will stay at Terenga Paraoa Marae and Pehiāweri Marae during the tournament.

The tournament will begin on 7 April with Northern Māori playing Tāmaki Makaurau Māori, and Central Māori playing Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

This will be followed by two Twenty20 matches per day on the Saturday and Sunday.

A Māori national women's tournament is planned to be held in October.