Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Nau mai, haere mai!

Whether you are a returning player, joining TWP for the first time, or supporting whānau, these FAQs cover the essentials for the 2026 National Māori Hockey Tournament.

1. Registration and Eligibility

How do I register?

How much is registration?

The registration fee is $110 per player.

Who can play?

Players must meet the tournament's Māori whakapapa and rohe eligibility requirements. If you are unsure which rohe you can represent, please check with the tournament organisers.

Can I register late?

Late registrations may be considered, subject to available places and team requirements. Contact TWP to check.

What age do I need to be to play?

Players aged 16 and over are recommended, but this is not a strict age limit. Players should be aware that the tournament brings together adults of all ages, including Masters players, former and current New Zealand representatives.

Playing alongside and against experienced players can be one of the tournament's highlights, offering a valuable opportunity to learn, develop, and test your skills. Please check with TWP if you have questions about age or eligibility.

Are there trials for TWP teams?

No formal trials are held. Team selection is based on skill, experience, attendance and age, alongside team requirements.

Why do I need to complete a whakapapa form?

The whakapapa form helps confirm your eligibility to represent Te Waipounamu at the National Māori Hockey Tournament. Players must be of Māori descent and either whakapapa to, or live in, Te Waipounamu. Rohe transfers require permission under the tournament rules.

Where can I find the whakapapa form?

If you have not completed your whakapapa form, you can download it from our homepage. Please complete and return it to twphockey.maori@gmail.com.

2. Fees and Payments

What does the $110 registration fee cover?

The fee covers tournament entry, including kai and entertainment at the Pō Whakangahau held on Sunday.

Does it include accommodation, transport and meals?

No. Players are responsible for their own transport, accommodation and meals, except for the kai provided at the Pō Whakangahau.

How do I pay?

Use the bank details listed under Fees / Sponsorship / Koha on the TWP homepage. Include the player's name and reason for payment as your reference.

TWP also welcomes sponsorship and koha to support our players and teams.

3. Teams and Preparation

How many teams is TWP entering?

TWP is entering three teams in 2026: Wāhine A, Wāhine B and Tāne A.

Do I need to attend training?

No; however, players should keep in touch with their coach and join the online group chats.

How do we practise waiata and kapa haka when players live all over the motu?

As our players are spread across the motu, we use TWP's social media groups to organise online waiata and kapa haka practices. This allows everyone to learn, practise and prepare together before the tournament.

Cultural preparation is an important part of representing TWP and our rohe. See the Waiata and Kapa Haka section for more information.

What playing gear do I need?

Players must bring their own hockey stick, shin pads, mouthguard and suitable footwear.

Black shorts or skirts and black hockey socks are essential. Your coach will advise you about team shirts and any additional requirements.

4. Travel and Accommodation

Do I need to arrange my own accommodation?

Yes. Players are normally responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodation. TWP may help source shared accommodation options where available, but these are subject to availability and cost.

Do I arrange my own transport and meals?

Yes. Players are responsible for their own transport, accommodation costs and meals, apart from the kai provided at the Pō Whakangahau.

What should I bring for shared accommodation?

Check the accommodation instructions. You may need bedding, towels, toiletries and other personal items.

5. Tournament Information

When and where is the tournament?

The 2026 National Māori Hockey Tournament is scheduled for 23–26 October 2026 at Gallagher Hockey Centre in Hamilton. Waikato-Maniapoto Māori Hockey is hosting.

What is the Pō Whakangahau?

It is a cultural evening where the rohe come together through waiata, kapa haka and whanaungatanga. Kai and entertainment are included in the TWP registration fee.

Where can I find the draw and game times?

Follow the official tournament communications and TWP's authorised channels for the latest draw, game times and programme updates.

Can whānau come and watch?

Whānau support is always valued. Check the tournament organisers' latest information for spectator access and venue arrangements.

6. Whānau and Support

Can I volunteer or support TWP?

Āe! We welcome whānau and community support with team management, coaching assistance and other tasks. We also welcome sponsorship and koha to help our players participate.

Contact TWP if you would like to help.

7. Contact and Updates

Where can I find TWP information?

Visit our official website:

https://www.sporty.co.nz/tewaipounamumaorihockey

For team questions, contact your coach or team coordinator. For registration, payment or accommodation enquiries, contact TWP through its official communication channels.

He waka eke noa

We are all in this together.

TWP is about more than hockey. It is about whanaungatanga, aroha, pride in our rohe and bringing our people together through sport and culture.

Te Waipounamu Māori Hockey