Northern Districts’ Maori gear up for series

Northern Districts’ Northern Maori invitational squad will break new ground for Maori cricket when it embarks on its maiden overseas campaign this month.

An initiative developed and fostered by the NDCA (Northern Districts Cricket Association) to boost Maori participation in the game, the Northern Maori side will begin a week-long tour to Rarotonga on September 21.

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, 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," said Northern Maori wicketkeeper and coach Graeme Stewart.

"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 chief executive officer Peter Roach said, "Northern Districts is very 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.

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.