Māori Hockey teams showcase skill and culture at Hong Kong tournament

The two-day tournament provided the teams with some challenging games and challenging weather

The journey began with travelling party and supporters assembled at the New Zealand Auckland International Airport, observing our traditional customs lead by our kaumātua with karakia and waiata. And then we were on the plane and off to Hong Kong for two days of competition.

Our accommodation in Hong Kong was at the Cosmos Hotel, just five minutes from the Hong Kong Football Club where we trained.

The day after we arrived, we were invited to visit the Hong Kong Sikh Temple, situated next door to our accommodation the Cosmos Hotel. 

To enter, we had to be clothed in long sleeve garments, our heads had to be covered (the head covering was provided) and no socks or shoes were to be worn.

We were welcomed into the temple and briefed on its protocols and beliefs before being invited to pray. The visit completed with our culture tikanga, mihi (acknowledgement to the Sikh community) and waiata.

The wāhine team celebrating winning the women's cup

Due the weather, the official opening ceremony for the tournament was held inside with all competitors in attendance. The ceremony highlighted Hong Kong's rich traditions and culture including an incredible dragon dance.

Day two saw the Tāne played the HKHC team for third and fourth position with the Tāne winning comfortably, and the Wāhine played HKHC Barbarians in the women’s final, winning the gold medal. 

Our Tāne acknowledged our wāhine with a rousing haka as the wāhine received their gold medals, which was well received by the huge crowd.

As one of the players put it, "We shared aspects of our Māori culture, including haka and the stories behind it, which sparked a lot of interest from the other teams. We saw the way other cultures approached the game and how they showed respect before and after matches.  It was a great way to connect beyond just sport—through culture and mutual curiosity.”

Team member: "[Hong Kong is] a melting pot of cultures, similar to New Zealand."

Hockey Games consumed a lot of time during our few days in Hong Kong. With only one day remaining before we headed back to New Zealand, the team visited the Ocean Park Pandas and the last evening was spent on a junk tour where we got to experience Hong Kong's bustling harbour and maritime history, accompanied by traditional kai.

One of the team described Hong Kong as, "a melting pot of cultures, similar to New Zealand." Adding, "There was such a variety of people from all over the world who live in or have travelled to Hong Kong. But what was great to see was the Chinese influence and history that was scattered throughout the city.”

"The players gained broader perspectives and strengthened their team dynamics."

The Hong Kong trip was a transformative experience for the New Zealand Māori Hockey players, incorporating athletic development, cultural immersion and interpersonal growth. 

By combining competitive sports with meaningful cultural activities, the players gained broader perspectives and strengthened their team dynamics, making the journey unforgettable for all involved.  Winning was the icing on the cake.

 Beyond the structured activities and matches, the Hong trip fostered invaluable moments of connection and discovery.  Whether it was the players sharing stories over meals, exploring the harbour’s vibrant atmosphere, or engaging in rich traditions of the New Zealand Māori Team, each experience added to the sense of unity and personal growth.

The Foundation's sports programme supports New Zealand sports professionals to build meaningful connections with Asia through immersive exchanges, leadership development and collaborative initiatives.