Gavin Causer in action for Te Arawa during last year's Tuakana Māori Rugby League Tournament at the Rotorua International Stadium. Photo / File
Gavin Causer in action for Te Arawa during last year's Tuakana Māori Rugby League Tournament at the Rotorua International Stadium. Photo / File
In its 25th year, the Tuakana Māori Rugby League Tournament is set to be the biggest one yet.
Held at the Rotorua International Stadium todayand tomorrow, this year's tournament has attracted record numbers.
Thirty-six teams, including eight women's teams, will compete in Wahine Toa (women's), Rohe and Waka (both men's) grades. In 2017 Ngati Umutahi were the top wahine team, Te Puaha o Waikato won the waka division and Te Arawa won the rohe division.
New Zealand Māori Rugby League chairman John Devonshire said "there's rugby league and then there's Māori rugby league".
"With Māori rugby league, it's about passion and pride. I'm not saying that's not in clubs and districts, but this tournament is about representing your people and your area. It's tribal and it's actually quite fierce.
"It's a tough tournament to win, whoever lifts the trophy would've played six games in two days. There will be an abundance of talent.
"There's a growth spurt happening in women's rugby league and to get that many teams is cool, but we're always looking for more."
Te Arawa player Matenga Wilson looks to pass during last year's Tuakana Māori Rugby League Tournament at the Rotorua International Stadium. Photo / File
He said Rotorua had become the "unofficial home" of Māori rugby league.
"That's attributed to the work of people like Jenny Nahu and the team at Bay of Plenty Rugby League. It's great to have it at the stadium as well. Rugby league is only the vehicle, it's about celebrating the culture."
To mark the 25-year milestone, a limited edition NZMRL supporter apparel range has been designed in partnership with Core Athletic. A special feature of the range is a NZMRL replica jersey which represents the resilient nature of Māori rugby league.
"Our limited edition apparel is not only a celebration of our 25 years, but an acknowledgement of all the players and teams that have been a part of NZMRL.
"The hunger and pride we see from our players to represent their whānau, waka and rohe is overwhelming and we look forward to delivering our best ever Tuakana tournament in celebration of our 25 years."
As well as the annual Tuakana tournament, NZMRL have held three other tournaments this year, tamariki, tēina and rangatahi, in the lead-up to the senior tournament.
"It's heartening to see how our kaupapa has grown and evolved across all levels since we've introduced our tamariki, teina and rangatahi tournaments, and the wahine divisions.
"This year we've seen record numbers take part in all our tournaments, placing Maori rugby league in a desirable position as we've established meaningful pathways for our young players to develop and come through the ranks."
He said the tournaments were "by Māori, for Māori" and had the added benefit of providing a vehicle for players, their whānau and their supporters to connect with their heritage.
"Our vision is to make a positive impact with rugby league and this is achieved by providing a platform whereby our Māori players can play at a national level and in a recognised tournament that remains reflective of who we are as Māori".
Selected games will be live streamed on the New Zealand Māori Rugby League Facebook page throughout the weekend.
