In term three, a junior basketball Kaupapa was held at Northland College in Kaikohe. There were 13 teams across two grades (Year 5/6 and 7/8) and 100 local tamariki participating over the eight-week period. The focus for the league was very much a developmental one, with many players being relatively new to the game. All schools from the local area were represented with reports that they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would like to have more opportunities playing basketball.

Local basketball coach and organiser, Taal Smith, shared that it was extremely pleasing to increase participation in the sport locally from the 20-30 tamariki that attended the weekly sessions held in 2018. Smith noted that “being able to engage in a competitive situation appears to be a very popular approach to learning the game of basketball in Kaikohe”.

Creating a positive culture was also a key focus with points being awarded to teams for displays of supportive behaviour and regular communication encouraging people to notice positive actions by others. This approach appeared to be quite revolutionary, helping to ensure that there was only positive and constructive play over the eight weeks.

The junior basketball competition culminated with an exciting finals week, with Te Kura Kaupapa o Kaikohe going on to become victors in two closely fought final games in both grades. Organiser Taal Smith says “that it was extremely pleasing to see the level of improvement with all teams and players”. The development of junior referees was also encouraged, with four taitamariki being supported by more experienced counterparts to help officiate most of the games played.

Because of this mahi, Smith was appointed as the distributor of tickets in the Mid-North for the Steven Adams basketball day held in Whangarei, sharing “that it was great to be able to give 10 tickets to local players that had shown enthusiasm and passion with basketball. Also, to personally have the honour of being a coach on the day at the camp and share in the fun and experience was absolutely magical”.

Support and sponsorship were provided from several organisations;

• Te Runanga A Iwi O Ngāpuhi provided prize packs.
• Northland Basketball provided spot prizes, resources, administration support along with their Basketball Development Officers attending with ideas from their feedback being incorporated to drive further improvements within the Kaupapa.
• Sport Northland supported through connecting to local schools and providing coordination support.

Looking ahead, Smith is hopeful that a committee and/or association will be formed locally to enable further competitions to take advantage of the enthusiasm generated from this Kaupapa. Smith says “in 2020 it would be great to strengthen the volunteer base, expand capability and implement improvements to further support an exciting and fun junior basketball experience in Kaikohe”.