About Whai Basketball

Whai

1. (noun) stingray

2. (verb) to chase, persue, look for, aim at.

Our vision is best described through our name - Whai. Whai is a TeReo Māori word which means to “chase” or “pursue.”

We are pursuing a vibrant and socially connected city where young people have their horizon of possibility lifted.

Possibilities of education, life experiences, meaningful work and contributing back into the community.

We do this through our events, programmes and teams including.

• Whai Academy

• Whai Tribe

• Whai In-schools

• Whai Girls Got Game

• Whai Holiday Camps

• Whai ‘Learn With Us’ Events

• Whai Eliete Camps

• Whai Youth Employability Programme

• Whai Home Games in NBL and Tauihi Leagues

We were deeply honored to have been gifted this name following extensive consultation and 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 ki Waikato, Te Whānau ā Apanui, Ngāti Whakaue / Te Arawa and Ngāti Pikiao.

Our name represents our community connections and social purpose, and our partnership with Mana Whenua across the region.

Whai HQ is in Birch Avenue, Tauranga connecting us with our local Hapu Ngati Tamarawaho. The Kopurererua Street which runs close by was used as a training ground by young Māori seeking to catch kia. Keeping with the history of the area, Whai HQ is used today to help inspire, train and equipment young people for service in the community and prepare them for meaningful work.