Poitūkohu Māori National Championships 2026
There were some stellar on-court performances at last week’s Poitūkohu Māori National Championships but the real stars of the tournament were whakapapa and whanaungatanga.
The six-day event in Rotorua was an opportunity for all Māori basketball fans to tautoko rangatahi to Masters level players representing 160 teams from 28 different iwi, and celebrate the power of whānau Māori.
E Tū Whānau kaimahi, Mōwai Smiler, was there for the third year in a row with his wife and tamariki. He played for Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga alongside his sister Maesey and brother Bodie. His mum Jaki was a tournament referee and also played for their iwi pakeke team. His dad, Maharatia, who’s also a coach, was the tournament’s DJ.
“It’s a whānau reunion for us, a great chance to do what we love and do it together. But it wasn’t just us. It was like that for everyone.”
Competition on court was intense and support from whānau watching was next level, Mōwai said.
“’Kara whiua! – Go hard!’ was a constant cry, but off-court there was a strong sense of manaakitanga. Kōrero awhi was huge in that space. Tamariki were happily running around talking te reo Māori and playing under the watchful eye of their tuakana, kaumatua and pakeke. Everyone was laughing, catching up with whānau and friends, sharing kōrero about whakapapa and making new connections.
“The tournament was a living example of what happens when kaupapa comes first, when people show up with aroha and respect and take collective responsibility for the whole event,” Mōwai added.
Te ao Māori shines at Poitūkohu Māori National Championships 2026
This year, Mōwai was again representing E Tū Whānau at Poitūkohu Māori National Championships 2026, sharing kōrero with many of the 1,000+ whānau in attendance.
Our kaupapa was also shared over loudspeakers by the MC. Fans displaying the six E Tū Whānau values were seen everywhere, further prompting questions and discussions.
Mōwai was impressed by the large number of stalls promoting Māori owned business at this year’s event.
“There was so much talent, creativity and quality mahi on display, noticeably more than in previous years. I think that speaks to the rapidly growing confidence of Māori enterprise.
Whether it’s sport or business or whatever, we’re doing; it’s so cool to see Māori supporting Māori.”
Want more?
Read about Whakamana Māori, a programme designed and run by Mōwai to support tamariki Māori to shine bright.
