Medals for Raukawa basketballers

Raukawa ki te Tonga’s women’s A grade team and its U7 mixed grade brought gold home to Ōtaki after winning performances at the Māori National Basketball competion in late January.

In total, Raukawa took two gold, two silver and three bronze medals. As an iwi, the medal haul gave it second place overall in the competition held in Rotorua from January 23-28.

Raukawa took teams from the young U7 ages right up to masters (aged 45+) and had more than 200 members participating at the annual tournament. The competition has grown significantly during the past few years and now has more than 2000 people attending.

“The tournament is always a good way to bring our people within the Ōtaki community and those who whakapapa to Raukawa ki Te Tonga together through a positive kaupapa that supports their physical, cultural and mental well-being,” says club manager Ariana Reweti. Home gym for the teams is Ngā Purapura at Te Wānanga o Raukawa.

Team bowls into semis

The Ōtaki Bowling Club’s women’s A team finished third equal at the recent 71st Taranaki women’s fours tournament.

It’s the biggest women’s fours competition in New Zealand, with 84 entries from throughout the country. The Ōtaki team was unbeaten until the semi-finals, completing the tournament third equal.

“This was a good result for a small club and well beyond our expectations,” says skip Jane