Brayden Lindsay

Sports reporter

Ngāti Pūkeko proved too powerful across the park as they picked up the overall tournament win for the under-12 grade at the the Māori Touch Tamariki Tournament held at Hopuhopu in the Waikato region last month.

A powerful display of skill, unity and cultural pride was on show at this year’s Māori touch tournament, as Ngāti Pūkeko celebrated an unforgettable campaign.

Now in its second year, the tournament has grown significantly, expanding to 117 teams across 30 rohe.

Over two action-packed days, Ngāti Pūkeko remained unbeaten, playing six matches and claiming victory in all.

The side dominated pool play with wins over Tūhoe (8-1), Hokianga (5-2), Tihirau (7-0) and Tauranga Moana (5-3).

They went on to defeat Tihirau again in the semifinal, 3-0, before facing Hokianga in a gripping final.

The final proved to be a thriller, locked at 8-8 at full- time and forcing a dramatic shootout.

Both teams were reduced to four players – two boys and two girls – for a tense two-minute showdown.

Ngāti Pūkeko capitalised on the tap-off advantage, scoring first before defending resolutely.

Regaining possession, they struck again, and when the hooter sounded, the scoreboard read 10-8, sealing an epic championship win.

Beyond the results, coach Jesse Clay said the cultural experience left a lasting impression on the team’s tamariki.

“Our tamariki really enjoyed facing other Māori teams.

“We felt a deep sense of connection to our Māori culture throughout the tournament.

“Each team proudly represented their rohe, and the mana was strongly felt – especially when some rohe performed pre-match haka, which lifted the wairua and set the tone for each game.”

Fellow coach Te Hau Mason said the tournament created a special bond among tamariki.

The immersion in a kaupapa Māori environment was described as “truly special”, with whanaungatanga between teams and manaakitanga from organisers creating an unforgettable atmosphere for the young players.

A major highlight came off the field, with Ngāti Pūkeko earning acceptance into the 2026 Māori Touch Tamariki Tournament – marking the first time a Ngāti Pūkeko tamariki team will compete at the prestigious event.

Preparation for the tournament included just over two months of training, making the undefeated campaign even more impressive.

“Winning our grade was something special,” manager Dani Wardlaw said.

“Seeing the joy in our tamariki after the final whistle blew is a moment we’ll never forget.

“These are the moments we train for and the moments that will help drive us into our next kaupapa,” Mason said.

The touch season has wrapped up, preparations are already under way for what’s next.

The team will return in term 4 for the Whakatāne Junior Module, before beginning training for the Rowdy’s Touch Tournament 2027 in Rotorua with Pahou Touch Club.

Following that, they will set their sights on the 2027 Māori Tamariki Touch Tournament, with plans to enter additional Ngāti Pūkeko teams and create even more opportunities for their young athletes to shine on the big stage.

The team’s success has been guided by   coaches Mason and Clay, trainer Dave Herd, and manager Wardlaw, a management group committed to nurturing not only sporting excellence, but cultural pride and unity through touch.

Several other players with affiliations to the Eastern Bay also took part, with some also tasting success with their teams.