‘Kilikiti at the Basin’ set to celebrate Pacific version of cricket

When the gentleman’s game of cricket was first played at Wellington’s Basin Reserve in 1868, no-one would thought that over 150 years later, the Pacific version of cricket, kilikiti, would also grace this hallowed turf.

Three matches of kilikiti will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington as part of the inaugural ‘Kilikiti at the Basin’ event.

Committee member and Wellington local Shana Muaiava says it’s a huge opportunity to celebrate the sport.

“It’s such an honor to be based here in the capital city and have this amazing malae, a pitch where international cricket has been showcased, and now it’s a gift to bring kilikiti and showcase it to the world.

“It’s something that showcases our Pacific people that there is value in this game. This is who we are as Pacific peoples, the game we played growing up - our fathers, our sisters, our mothers.

“The malae’s (field/arena) we’re used to in the backyard, in dead-end streets, in parks that aren’t really good. This is a gift.”

The event is hosted by Cricket Wellington in collaboration with local communities to celebrate the unique version of the sport. It will be a day full of Pacific food stalls, music, giveaways and free buses from Porirua and the Hutt Valley.

Diversity and Inclusion lead for Cricket Wellington Frankie Stewart says the collaboration was carefully handled, to allow a full “Pacific” experience.

“From Cricket Wellington’s point of view, we’ve been well aware of kilikiti thriving in the community. It’s always been on our radar, how can we as the governing body of cricket support kilikiti without taking over.

“The community is already there, so what can we offer to build that up and share it with the wider community.”

Stewart says the event evolved over conversations, and when an opening came up to host a community event at the basin, it was a perfect opportunity to showcase the sport.

In doing so, Stewart and Muaiava say the event will encourage all cultural aspects of kilikiti including tents for elders to sit in and support on the pitch.

“Shana said it’s a gift for the Pacific community, but I think it’s absolutely a gift to us. I don't think the basin has had anything quite like it.

“For us to be part of that, what an absolute treat. I feel very honored working with the project, learning the customs part of the sport and it’s challenging my perception of the sport.

“I think we’re really lucky to partner with the Pacific community to bring this event to life.”

Valley Bears vs Porirua United.