“MATARIKI HUNGA NUI”
Friday 10th & Saturday 11th of July 2026
The rise of Matariki in the winter skies above Aotearoa is an important time in the Māori calendar, as it signifies the start of the Māori new year and signifies a time to remember those past and present. It is also an important time to reset, readjust and plan for the future hence the birth of our Matariki Basketball Festival. The event saw many walks of life come together to celebrate the game we love and we are excited to bring to life a fresh start to our 2026 Matariki Basketball Festival. New divisions & new opportunities that will continue to speak to and resonate with the kaupapa of this special event.
Acknowledging financially times are hard for families we are providing a Koha (donation) for every team entry in this year’s MBF2026. With all proceeds raised going towards the purchase of new wheelchairs and equipment for our region to encourage more inclusive opportunities for our wider basketball community to engage in our game.
What is the Matariki Basketball Festival?
Celebrating the beginning of the Māori new year the Matariki Basketball Festival is the coming together of people from all walks of life who share a love & passion for the game. The Matariki Basketball Festival has been co-designed and tailored in partnership with our friends at Special Olympics, Wheelchair Basketball (Halberg), Wellington Masters including input from Women & Girls and local Clubs from our region and proudly supported by Nuku Ora, Hutt City Council, Kāpura, Hell Pizza and a range of our partners. The Matariki Basketball Festival saw the beginning of true collaboration across our Capital Zone. There are opportunities to participate in a host of activities for all ages including a 3 day tournament structure, Girls Got Game sessions, walking basketball, wheelchair basketball, face painting, food stalls and a concert evening for teams to showcase their identity.
We’re bringing communities together to celebrate!
Matariki Basketball Festival is all about inclusion, regardless of your age, gender, skill or mobility level. If you’re keen to be part of a new wave of basketball and keen for a good time, all are welcome here!!!
Registrations for our Matariki Basketball Festival 2026 will be opening soon, with new divisions and offerings based on feedback we have received from YOU - our community. Providing opportunities for ALL is at the heart of this basketball offering along with opportunities to grow and support our referees and coaches to ensure we can continue to cater to the fastest growing sport across Aotearoa.
2026 Matariki Divisions
5x5 Unity Basketball
Unity is where everyone belongs. A social basketball division that brings people together through the game. Open to people of all ages, abilities, and genders, the Unity Division welcomes disabled and non-disabled players, whānau, and community members to play side by side in a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment focused on participation, connection, and belonging.
Open to all ages and abilities
Register your whānau today!
$30 per team
5x5 Walking
Walking Basketball brings people together through a fun, inclusive, and low-impact version of the game. Open to all ages, genders, and mobility levels, this division is perfect for friends, families, and whānau looking to stay active, social, and involved in basketball at a comfortable pace.
Whether you’re new to the game or returning to the court, everyone is welcome!
Open to all ages and abilities
Register your whānau today!
$30 per team
3x3 Swish
Fun and exciting division designed for young players to build confidence, develop skills, and enjoy the game in a supportive environment. With smaller teams and more time on the court, players get plenty of ball touches, more opportunities to shoot, and greater involvement in every game.
Perfect for learning the game, making friends, and having fun through basketball!
Mixed Primary Teams
Y3 - Y6 ONLY
$15 per team
3×3 All-Stars
Fast-paced, high-energy basketball designed to maximise player development and enjoyment. With smaller teams and more time on the ball, players get more touches, more shots, and more opportunities to attack, defend, and make plays in every game.
It’s the ideal format for building confidence, improving skills, and taking your game to the next level in a competitive and exciting atmosphere.
Mixed Intermediate Teams
Year 7 & Year 8 ONLY
$15 per team
3x3 Womens & Mens
Exciting version of the game that keeps players constantly involved in the action. With fewer players on the court, athletes get more ball touches, more space to create plays, and more opportunities to attack, defend, and score.
Grades:
Div-1 ish (Competitive)
Ice Packs (Social Competitive)
We Just Here for the Cardio (Social)
$15 per team
5x5 Wheelchair
This division is to encourage athletes from various mobility levels to get involved to enable our athletes with physical disabilities to play. This should be reflected in how you create your teams. Sport wheelchairs provided. To register as an individual email:
$30 per team
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTING PARTNERS FOR 2026
What is the Matariki Basketball Festival?
Celebrating the beginning of the Māori new year the Matariki Basketball Festival is the coming together of people from all walks of life who share a love & passion for the game. The Matariki Basketball Festival has been co-designed and tailored in partnership with our friends at Special Olympics, Wheelchair Basketball (Halberg), Wellington Masters including input from Women & Girls and local Clubs from our region and proudly supported by Nuku Ora, Hutt City Council, Kāpura, Hell Pizza and a range of our partners. The Matariki Basketball Festival saw the beginning of true collaboration across our Capital Zone. There are opportunities to participate in a host of activities for all ages including a multi-day tournament structure, Girls Got Game sessions, walking basketball, wheelchair basketball, face painting, food stalls and a concert evening for teams to showcase their identity.
We’re bringing communities together to celebrate!
Matariki Basketball Festival is all about inclusion, regardless of your age, gender, skill or mobility level. If you’re keen to be part of a new wave of basketball and keen for a good time, all are welcome here!!!
Registrations for our Matariki Basketball Festival 2026 will be opening soon, with new divisions and offerings based on feedback we have received from YOU - our community. Providing opportunities for ALL is at the heart of this basketball offering along with opportunities to grow and support our referees and coaches to ensure we can continue to cater to the fastest growing sport across Aotearoa.
• Special Olympics
• Wheelchair Basketball
• Halberg
• College Sport
• Associations
• Women & Girls
• Clubs
• Tertiary/ School leavers
• Hutt City Council
Our Values
Our core values are align with these stars of Matariki. Encompassing the heart and vision for our festival; we would love for all participants to embrace these values throughout the festivities. Arohanui
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We show love, respect & appreciation for all in attendance. We create an arena of positivity and fun for all who attend.
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We are unified by a passion and love for the game which extends beyond skill-level, physical ability, gender and age.
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We show empathy, understanding and care for all. We give without expectation of reward, and we support with postivity.
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We acknowledge each other and celebrate differences collectively. We bring positive energy and welcome everyone with open arms.
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We acknowledge the variety and diversity of people who play our game, and we seek to understand and grow an appreciation & respect for everyone’s identity.
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We celebrate and acknowledge everyone who is part of our basketball ecosystem. Everyone has a special part to play in the growth of our game, and we can only move forward by travelling on the same waka.
Partnership Opportunities
We’re always looking at unique ways that we can partner with local businesses, sponsors and communities in ways that can be mutually beneficial for all parties involved. If you would like to look into options for supporting or being a part of our festival on the day, get in touch and we would love to chat!