Co-Founder
CurrentWhai Basketball has been described as a social change agent disguised as a Basketball Club. Together with our fans we are chasing a vibrant and socially connected city. Based in Tauranga, New Zealand our teams compete in the Tauihi League and NZNBL. Our Pro Players help deliver Basketball initiatives locally that enable young people to be active, feel inspired, and see their horizons of possibility lifted.Our Pro Games provide safe family entertainment spaces that foster social connection and wellbeing.Our Pro Teams are a source of community pride, connection and inspiration, contributing to regional identity.Whai is a Te Reo Māori word meaning Stingray. In Māori mythology, the Whai is kaitiaki(community guardians), protecting the areas where shellfish – the successful bounty – can beharvested. The Whai are a feature of the Tauranga moana (sea). Whai is also a verb in Te Reo Māori, meaning “to chase, pursue, or aim for.”We were deeply honored to haven been gifted this name following extensive consultationand collaboration with Mana Whenua in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Rotorua,including kaumatua (elders) from Ngāti Pukenga, Ngāi te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Raukawa kiWaikato, Te Whānau ā Apanui, Ngāti Whakaue / Te Arawa and Ngāti Pikiao.Our name represents our community connections and social purpose, and our partnership withMana Whenua across the region.
