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Turangawaewae Basketball Development – A place to stand, grow and thrive through sport

Purpose

The Turangawaewae Basketball Development Program is a place to stand, to grow and to thrive through sport. Rooted in the principles of Hauora and equity, this initiative empowers tamariki and rangatahi to explore basketball in a safe and culturally grounded environment. From grassroots engagement to competitive play, the pathway nurtures holistic development, fosters community connection and builds lifelong skills through structured progression and meaningful mentorship. It is designed to uplift underrepresented voices, strengthen local capacity, and create sustainable opportunities growth – both on and off the court.

Program Structure

Stage Program Focus
1.     Engagement &        Access Community Popup Sessions Free, Fun, local sessions; Hauora-based play; inclusive entry point
2.     Foundation Skills BNZ Kiwi Hoops/Fundamental 2Degrees Girls Got Game Program Basic movement, teamwork, confidence; Hauora principles.
3.     Skill Development Foundation program Identity, resilience, deeper skills; wellbeing-centered coaching
4.     Game Play Youth League (3×3) Fast-paced play, strategy, social, connection, self-esteem
5.     Structured Play School, Club, Representative Teams Performance, leadership, mentoring, long-term athlete development.

Hauora Integration

Each stage embeds the four dimensions of Hauora: –

  • Taha Tianna – physical wellbeing
  • Taha Hinengaro – mental and emotional wellbeing
  • Taha Whānau – social connection
  • Taha Wairua – cultural identity and belonging.

Community Outcomes

  • Activates underserved communities.
  • Builds local capacity through coach/referee mentoring.
  • Strengthens whānau engagement.
  • Promotes equity and long-term participation.

Community Pop Up Sessions

Element                                     Details

Format                                      1–2-hour Pop-up sessions across local venues (schools, community halls, outdoor courts

Audience                                  Targeted at Year 3 – 8 with pathways into development programs.

Delivery Team                         Qualified coaches, supported by youth mentors and volunteers.

Session Features                    Skills challenges, mini-games, music, giveaways, and community kōrero

Engagement Plan                    Social media blitz & flyers through schools, clubs, and iwi networks

Youth Input                               Presession surveys and feedback loops to shape delivery.

Foundation Skills – BNZ Kiwi Hoops/2Degrees Girls Got Game Fundamental Program

Element                                     Details

Format                                       6–8-week program or in-school delivery blocks

Audience                                   Year 3 – 8 Tamariki beginning their basketball journey.

Delivery Team                           Accredited Kiwi Hoops coaches and trained volunteers.

Session Features                     Movement games, basic skills, teamwork activities, Hauora reflections

Engagement Plan                    School partnerships, club referral, whānau info packs

Youth Input                               End of term feedback & coach check-ins

Skill Development – Foundation Program

Element                                     Details

Format                                       Weekly sessions over 8-10 weeks, with optional holiday intensives

Audience                                   Year 6 – 10 players ready for deeper skill-building

Delivery Team                           Development coaches, youth mentors, guest facilitators (e.g., nutrition, wellbeing)

Session Features                     Technical drills, Hauora workshops, team building, identity exploration

Engagement Plan                    School & club referrals, targeted outreach to girls & Māori

Youth Input                               Goal-setting sessions and mid-program feedback surveys

Game Play – Youth League, 3×3

Element                                     Details

Format                                       Seasonal leagues (Term 4 & 1), weekend games and local parks

Audience                                   Year 7 – 11 players seeking structured competition.

Delivery Team                           League Coordinators, referees, and team coaches

Session Features                     Face paced games, team strategy, leadership roles, inclusive formats

Engagement Plan                     School and Club registration drives, social media highlights

Youth Input                               Team captain’s (mana taiohi) hui and post season reviews undertaken.

Structured Pathways – School, Club, Representative

Element                                     Details

Format                                       Year-round trainings, tournaments, and mentoring programs

Audience                                   Year 9 – 13 players pursuing performance and leadership.

Delivery Team                         Representative coaches, strength & conditioning staff, Hauora facilitators

Session Features                   Advance training, cultural connection, wellbeing support, travel experiences

Engagement Plan                  Talent ID camps, coach referrals, whanau engagement evenings

Youth Input                               Athlete voice panels and leadership development workshops – Mana taiohi

 

Please contact: 0272937730 or email development@manawatu.basketball

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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