Cricket: Maori side returning to roots

Maori cricketers in Northland could be set for a boost as the Northern Districts' Northern Maori invitational squad breaks new ground for Maori cricket this month.

The Northern Districts Maori side will embark on a maiden overseas campaign in an initiative developed and fostered by the Northern Districts Cricket Association to boost Maori participation in the game.

Captained by Waikato Valley skipper Leighton Parsons and managed by Northern Districts selector and operations manager Pat Malcon, the team will play Cook Islands representative sides in a series of Twenty20s under lights and promote the development of Cook Islands Cricket - an ICC affiliate nation assisted by Northern Districts Cricket.

"It's going to be a highly meaningful visit for us," Northern Maori wicketkeeper and coach Graeme Stewart. "Not only because of the close relationship between Northern Districts and Cook Islands Cricket, but because of the significant historical links and cultural familiarity between Cooks Islands Maori and New Zealand Maori.

"We will be playing just kilometres from the spot said to be the departure point for the fleet of waka that set off for Aotearoa, including our Tainui canoe. That first team haka on Rarotongan soil will be very special to us as Maori."

Launched in 2011, Northern Maori will also play its traditional fixture against Waikato University this summer, with further matches and dates to be announced during the season.

Northern Districts CEO Peter Roach said they were proud of taking the national lead in growing Maori participation in cricket.

"It's an area that has historically been left to languish, but one we value in our region.

"We have significant Maori communities in Poverty Bay, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Northland and I have no doubt that there are talents waiting to be uncovered in those communities. Northern Maori was conceived as an inspiring pathway for young Maori sportsmen and we are already seeing results in increased interest from the Maori sporting community."

Previous Northern Maori squads have sported no shortage of role models, including Black Caps Trent Boult, Daryl Tuffey, Peter McGlashan and Northern Knights Jono Boult, Brandon Hiini, and Tamati Clarke.

Continuing its policy of giving opportunities to young Maori players, the team includes two first XI players from Hamilton Boys' High, Danyn Stewart and Renay Meadows.