Showcasing the best talent in New Zealand women's basketball, GJ Gardner Homes Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, to be played in Nelson is setting a new precedent for the sport. Designed to elevate the status of women’s basketball, the theme Tauihi - meaning ‘to soar’ - will help take the sport to the next level. The five teams in this competition consist of North (Northern Kāhu), Mid North (Whai), Central (Tokomanawa Queens), Upper South (Mainland Pouākai), and Lower South (Southern Hoiho). All five teams will play and represent an entire region, not just a single city. Seven rounds of fixtures are being played culminating in the finals to be hosted in the region. Fans will see a high level of professional women’s basketball action, featuring an exciting mix of homegrown and overseas talent. Broadcasting all 33 games via Sky Sport, and with the backing of Nelson City Council, both the semi-final and final games will be played at our very own Trafalgar Centre on Aug 26 and 27.
Tauihi general manager, Huw Beynon says the launching of the new league has been long awaited. “Proud is an understatement! We’ve long wanted to provide and facilitate a genuinely professional, world-class league for our kiwi talent to play in, and for our kiwi kids to be inspired by. I think we’ve done that, and to know that it’s only going to get better is really exciting. With Sky Sport as a partner, we’re broadcasting every game live around the world, opening up countless opportunities for the players. At home, the buzz has been awesome to see and hear, and it’s our job to make sure it continues. My hope for the future is that we can use Tauihi to provide a pathway for the next generation of Tall Fern’s to come through, choose basketball, and chase their dreams.”
Choosing Nelson to host the finals was a no-brainer says Huw. “The support that the council, the Regional Development Fund, and the Trafalgar Centre have shown has been incredible. It’s going to be a historical event for the sport in New Zealand.”
Local supporters will be excited to know that talented favourites, Jelena Vučinić, Lauryn Hippolite and rising star, Y13 Waimea College student Maia Jones, are set to play in the competition. Former Nelson and Auckland Dream shooting guard, Jelena, will be providing a veteran background presence and representing the Mid North wearing Whai colours. Former Melbourne Boomer and Australian WNBL winner, Lauryn will be representing Mainland Pouākai in the tournament, as will talented Maia Jones - daughter of Nelson's own Tall Black great, Phill Jones and Women’s NBL player and Pouākai assistant coach, Kat Jones.
NCC mayor, Rachel Reese, says “Nelson City Council has a proud tradition of supporting women’s sporting events, we were excited to welcome the Black Ferns here and also host Super Club Netball and Tactix Matches over the years. Now, this support continues with funding from our Economic Events Fund to assist GJ Gardner Homes Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa for the most professional ever New Zealand women’s basketball league. What a fantastic addition to New Zealand’s sports schedule and I can’t wait for the final that’s being held at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson. This league will give a pathway for our local players and I’m particularly proud to see three homegrown stars are part of the league and I’m sure these players will serve as an inspiration to young Nelson basketball players.”
The Semi-final action at Trafalgar Centre kicks off on Friday, Aug 26 with 1st vs 4th playing at 6pm and 2nd vs 3rd at 8pm. The Grand Final is set for Saturday, Aug 27, at 7:30.
