OUR BEGINNING

OUR STORY

Te Whakapapa o te Māori Sports and Cultural Association Incorporated

In November 2023, Māori Sports and Cultural Association Incorporated was established through a shared vision held by a group of Māori parents and community members who believed in the power of sport, culture, identity, and connection.

Where It Began

What began as informal conversations among whānau would grow into an organisation dedicated to strengthening the cultural foundations of Māori rangatahi while creating opportunities for participation across a wide range of sporting and cultural pursuits.

The origins of the Association can be traced to the Pasifika Rugby Cup, where many of the founding members had children participating in different teams representing the NSW Māori Rugby Union.

In preparation for the tournament's opening ceremony, the children gathered to learn and perform haka. It was during these training sessions, while supporting their tamariki and standing together as Māori whānau, that discussions began about the future of Māori participation in community life.

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A Vision Bigger Than One Sport

Those early conversations recognised a disconnection with identity. While opportunities existed within individual sporting codes, there was no incorporated organisation with the capacity to bring together multiple sporting disciplines alongside cultural development under one Māori-led entity.

The vision was to establish an organisation that would not be limited to a single sport but would serve as a home for many sporting codes, kapa haka initiatives, and cultural activities. From the beginning, the founders dreamed of creating a place where Māori could connect, participate, learn, and grow together regardless of their individual interests.

Strengthening Identity and Connection

Central to this vision was the desire to strengthen cultural identity among Māori rangatahi living away from their ancestral homelands.

The founders understood that many young Māori were seeking greater knowledge about who they were and where they came from. They wanted future generations to develop a deeper understanding of their whakapapa, iwi, waka, maunga, and tipuna, and to carry that knowledge proudly throughout their lives.

The founders also recognised the importance of preserving and sharing taonga tuku iho, the treasured gifts handed down by previous generations.

Through the teaching of pepeha, waiata, haka, and te reo Māori, they sought to provide rangatahi with cultural knowledge that would endure long after sporting achievements had faded from memory.

While sporting opportunities may change over time, the founders believed that a strong sense of Māori identity, pride, and cultural connection would remain a lifelong source of strength.

From these discussions, Māori Sports and Cultural Association Incorporated was born.

Our Founding Members

The founding members of the Association were:

• Mary Henson

• Peata Hepi

• Kelly Jensen

• Jess Reti

• Dion Paterson

• Banjo Mika

• Awhina Martin

Together, these individuals dedicated their time, energy, and commitment to transforming n idea into a functioning organisation. Like many community organisations, the Association faced challenges during its formative years. However, guided by a Constitution grounded in shared values, clear purpose, and collective aspirations, the founders worked together to overcome obstacles and establish a strong foundation for the future.

Guided by Our Kaumātua

Among the Association's most significant achievements was the inclusion and guidance of Kaumātua, whose wisdom and leadership ensured that the organisation remained connected to tikanga Māori and cultural integrity. Their involvement strengthened the Association's commitment to operating in a manner consistent with Māori values and traditions.

Building Our Cultural Kaupapa

Another milestone was the establishment of the Association's cultural team, creating

opportunities for members to participate in cultural learning, performance, and leadership. From this kaupapa emerged one of the Association's proudest

achievements: the creation of its own haka, Ko Wai Rā ("Who Am I"), written by

Destiny Martin.

Ko Wai Rā — “Who Am I”

Ko Wai Rā tells the story of Māori migration from Aotearoa to the Land of Moemoeā, reflecting the experiences of Māori living away from their ancestral homes while remaining spiritually and culturally connected to them.

The haka is a call to the whenua, maunga, iwi, and tipuna, seeking guidance, remembrance, and reconnection. It affirms identity, celebrates pride in being Māori, and acknowledges the enduring strength derived from whakapapa, ancestors, community, and culture.

Through its words and performance, Ko Wai Rā reminds present and future generations of who they are and where they belong.

More Than an Organisation

The establishment of Māori Sports and Cultural Association Incorporated represents more than the creation of an organisation. It represents a commitment to nurturing cultural pride, fostering community connection, and creating opportunities for rangatahi Māori to thrive both on and off the field. It stands as a testament to the vision of its founders and their belief that sport and culture can work together to strengthen identity, belonging, and wellbeing.

This historical record is included within the Constitution to honour the founding members whose leadership, courage, and dedication brought the Association into existence. Their legacy continues through every programme, event, performance, and achievement undertaken in the Association's name.

Our Legacy, Our Future

Māori Sports and Cultural Association Incorporated, together with its founding members and future generations of leaders, remains committed to the enduring goal of empowering rangatahi Māori through the gifting of mana motuhake, selfdetermination, cultural pride, and a lifelong connection to their Māori identity.

"He taonga tuku iho te whakapapa, te reo, me ngā tikanga. Ko te hākinakina he wā poto, engari ko te mana Māori he taonga mō ake tonu atu."

("Whakapapa, language, and culture are treasures passed down through generations. Sport

may have its season, but Māori identity is a treasure for a lifetime.")

Mary Henson, Peata Hepi, Kelly Jensen, Awhina Martin, Jess Reti, Dion Paterson, Banjo Mika

The Founding Members of Maori Sports and Cultural Association Incorporated

November 2023