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“MATARIKI HUNGA NUI”

The rise of Matariki in the winter skies above Aotearoa is an important time in the Māori calendar, as it signifies the start of the Māori new year and signifies a time to remember those past and present. It is also an important time to reset, readjust and plan for the future hence the birth of our Matariki Basketball Festival. The event saw many walks of life come together to celebrate the game we love and we are excited to bring to life an enhanced Matariki Basketball Festival offering for 2023. New divisions & new oportunities that will continue to speak to and resonate with the kaupapa of this special event.

Thank you to Sport New Zealand for shining light on our Matariki Basketball Festival. We look forward to seeing you all at The Nash for our MBF2023. Nau mai haere mai, all are welcome here.

What is the Matariki Basketball Festival?

Celebrating the beginning of the Māori new year the Matariki Basketball Festival is the coming together of people from all walks of life who share a love & passion for the game. The Matariki Basketball Festival has been co-designed and tailored in partnership with our friends at Special Olympics, Wheelchair Basketball (Halberg), Wellington Masters including input from Women & Girls and local Clubs from our region and proudly supported by Nuku Ora, Hutt City Council, Kāpura, Hell Pizza and a range of our partners. The Matariki Basketball Festival saw the beginning of true collaboration across our Capital Zone. There are opportunities to participate in a host of activities for all ages including a 3 day tournament structure, Girls Got Game sessions, walking basketball, wheelchair basketball, face painting, food stalls and a concert evening for teams to showcase their identity.

We’re bringing communities together to celebrate!

Matariki Basketball Festival is all about inclusion, regardless of your age, gender, skill or mobility level. If you’re keen to be part of a new wave of basketball and keen for a good time, all are welcome here!!!

Registrations for our Matariki Basketball Festival 2023 will be opening soon, with new divisions and offerings based on feedback we have received from YOU - our community. Providing opportunities for ALL is at the heart of this basketball offering along with opportunities to grow and support our referees and coaches to ensure we can continue to cater to the fastest growing sport across Aotearoa.

• Special Olympics
• Wheelchair Basketball
• Halberg

• College Sport
• Associations
• Women & Girls

• Clubs
• Tertiary/ School leavers
• Hutt City Council

Our Values

Our core values are align with these stars of Matariki. Encompassing the heart and vision for our festival; we would love for all participants to embrace these values throughout the festivities. Arohanui

  • We show love, respect & appreciation for all in attendance. We create an arena of positivity and fun for all who attend.

  • We are unified by a passion and love for the game which extends beyond skill-level, physical ability, gender and age.

  • We show empathy, understanding and care for all. We give without expectation of reward, and we support with postivity.

  • We acknowledge each other and celebrate differences collectively. We bring positive energy and welcome everyone with open arms.

  • We acknowledge the variety and diversity of people who play our game, and we seek to understand and grow an appreciation & respect for everyone’s identity.

  • We celebrate and acknowledge everyone who is part of our basketball ecosystem. Everyone has a special part to play in the growth of our game, and we can only move forward by travelling on the same waka.

Partnership Opportunities

We’re always looking at unique ways that we can partner with local businesses, sponsors and communities in ways that can be mutually beneficial for all parties involved. If you would like to look into options for supporting or being a part of our festival on the day, get in touch and we would love to chat!