It's with great pleasure that CD Cricket has named our first ever Central Districts Māori cricket squad, with excitement building for the team's imminent debut at Easter’s inaugural NZC National Māori Tāne Tournament, from 7-9 April in Whangārei.

Calls for expressions of availability for the newly established CD Māori team drew a strong response from right across our CD catchment, and Central Districts is delighted to have been in a position to name a 13-man squad that includes representatives from the Nelson, Wairarapa, Manawatū, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki and Horowhenua-Kāpiti District Associations.

CDCA Manager, High Performance DAVE MEIRING said it was an exciting step forward for both CD Cricket and cricket throughout Aotearoa, with NZC putting in good mahi to catch up in an area that has long been a successful model for other sports.

"CD Cricket is excited about the opportunity to provide a playing platform for the Māori cricketers within our eight Districts," said Meiring.

"We have seen the success of the NZ Secondary Schools Māori teams over the past few seasons, and we can now follow in those footsteps by recognising players with Māori heritage at the Major Association level.

"We believe it will provide another important step in our pathway in the future, and continue to develop the best talent within CD.

"We wish the inaugural CD Māori team all the best, and look forward to building on this event with a female version in the future.”

Experienced Manawatū Cricket age-group coach, Hayden Robinson will coach the inaugural side that will play T20s matches at both Kensington Park and Cobham Oval against the other four Māori sides at the ground-breaking tournament.

The five teams all align with Major Association catchments, with the exception of Te Waipounamu which combines the Canterbury and Otago Cricket Association areas.

 

 

CENTRAL DISTRICTS MĀORI

2023 NZC National Māori Men's Tournament

Whangārei • 7-9 April 2023

ZACK Benton  Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu  •  Horowhenua-Kāpiti

AIDAN Clark Ngāti Raukawa  •  Nelson

JARRED Cunningham Tūhoe  •  Taranaki

DUSTIN Emms-Healey Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha  •  Nelson

TAINE Halbert Ngāti Tūwharetoa  •  Horowhenua-Kāpiti

BAYLEY Latter Ngāti Toa  •  Manawatū

RIAN Lyver Ngāti Toa, Ngāi Tahu  •  Horowhenua-Kāpiti

ANGUS McKnight Ngāti Porou  •  Hawke's Bay

JAMIE Marshall Ngāti Raukawa  •  Horowhenua-Kāpiti

CHARLIE Pawson Ngāti Kahungunu  •  Hawke's Bay

SAMUEL Payne Ngāti Kahungunu  •  Wairarapa

JEROME Robinson Ngāti Raukawa  •  Manawatū

BAILEY Te Tomo Ngāti Raukawa  •  Horowhenua-Kāpiti

COACH

Hayden Robinson Ngāti Raukawa  •  Manawatū Cricket Association

Learn more about the tournament here

Article added: Monday 03 April 2023