Basketball: Hundreds expected in Hawera for schools tournament

Photo: South Taranaki District Council

Hundreds of young basketball players and supporters will descend on Hāwera later this month for a tournament that has grown since its inaugural event last year.

The 2026 Taranaki Steelformers Year 9/10 Secondary Basketball Tournament will be held at TSB Hub from August 28 to September 1, featuring 22 teams across two grades.

Schools will travel from Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū, Wellington and Taupō, while five Taranaki schools will also take part.

Event organiser Matt Cursons said the tournament was established after identifying a lack of opportunities for younger secondary school teams to compete against each other in a tournament environment.

“What started as a regional idea quickly grew when schools from around the North Island told us they were looking for the same opportunity,” he said.

“After a fantastic first year, it’s exciting to have 22 teams coming to Hāwera in 2026.

“We’re looking forward to some great basketball and giving these young athletes another chance to test themselves against teams from around the North Island.”

The tournament debuted last year with 18 teams, with St Patrick’s College Silverstream winning the Premiership Grade and Te Paepae o Aotea claiming the Championship Grade.

New Plymouth Boys’ High School, Francis Douglas Memorial College, Te Paepae o Aotea, Stratford High School and Spotswood College will provide the local interest this year.

The tournament is expected to bring more than 300 players and supporters into Hāwera, with accommodation in demand and organisers expecting local hospitality and retail businesses to benefit.

South Taranaki Mayor Phil Nixon said the event highlighted the district’s ability to host major sporting events.

“South Taranaki has some excellent venues, and TSB Hub gives us the ability to host events like this really well,” he said.

“We’ve got several big events coming to the district over the next few months, which is a great opportunity for our communities and local businesses.

“This tournament alone will bring more than 300 players and supporters into Hāwera, giving them the chance to enjoy our hospitality and experience more of what our district has to offer.”

South Taranaki District Council is supporting the tournament and helping coordinate activities for players and supporters during their stay.

Cursons said sponsorship from Taranaki Steelformers, Dunlop Insurance and Tsunami Sport had helped keep costs down for participating schools.

“We’re extremely grateful to our sponsors. Their support helps us keep costs down for teams and put on an event that gives these young athletes a really enjoyable tournament experience.”

The tournament is free for spectators, with draws, results, standings and other updates also being posted on its Facebook page throughout the event.