Basketball: Community called to save Taranaki Airs

Photo by John Velvin.

The future of the Taranaki Airs in the National Basketball League could rest in the hands of the community, with a new ownership group needed before the end of the month.

Basketball Taranaki has launched an effort to secure the franchise's place in the 2027 competition after current owner Media8 NZ announced it was stepping away following three seasons in charge.

The regional basketball organisation will gauge interest from potential investors and supporters, with former Airs chairman Laine Hopkinson helping lead the process.

However, time is running out, with a bid required by the end of November for the team to compete next season.

Basketball Taranaki chairman Andrew Maycock said the priority was gathering enough support to ensure the Airs remained in the competition.

“Our immediate focus is securing the support needed to keep the team on court in 2027, while we work out what a sustainable future looks like.”

The Airs have been a fixture in Taranaki sport for much of the past 40 years and are one of only two major national competition teams representing the region.

Beyond the professional competition, the franchise provides a pathway for aspiring local basketball players and attracts families and supporters to TSB Stadium during the season.

But the region has previously experienced the consequences of losing its NBL franchise.

Financial difficulties forced Taranaki out of the competition following the 1999 season, with the team not returning until 2003.

The Waikato Pistons, who won four NBL championships, also struggled to maintain their place in the competition. They withdrew in 2011 and returned briefly before leaving again in 2014.

Hopkinson believed community ownership offered the best opportunity to secure the Airs' long-term future.

“This team was built by the community, and it has always been for the community,” he said.

“Volunteers, local businesses, families in the stands and kids dreaming of wearing the jersey — they are what has kept basketball alive here for decades.

“That's why we know the team now needs to be owned by the Taranaki community.”

Media8 NZ's departure followed a difficult 2026 season for the Airs, who finished with six wins from 20 matches, while head coach John White also announced he was stepping down.

Despite the challenges, Hopkinson remained confident the region could rally behind the franchise.

“This is, and always will be, Taranaki's team. Now we need Taranaki to get in behind it like never before.”

The immediate challenge is finding sufficient financial backing and establishing an ownership structure capable of keeping the Airs competitive and financially sustainable beyond 2027.