NZ's Pacific talent takes centre stage at 'biggest' youth cricket festival

Pacific youth cricket will be in the spotlight this week as the Rangatahi Cricket Festival returns for its fourth year, with its biggest event yet being hosted for the first time at Lloyd Elsmore Park in East Auckland, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) says.

Now recognised as a key celebration of culture and youth sport in Aotearoa, the festival brings together Māori, Pasifika, South Asian, and Howick Pakuranga Invitational teams for two days of high-quality cricket across boys’ and girls’ competitions.

The Rangatahi Cricket Festival officially opened on Tuesday with a pōwhiri at Lloyd Elsmore Park, followed by two full days of matches on Wednesday and Thursday.

The event is hosted by Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club and marks the largest edition of the festival since it began four years ago.

In a statement, NZC says the festival has grown into a major date on the youth cricket calendar, giving young players the chance to connect with their cultural identity while competing at a national level.

This year’s programme continues that focus, with strong Pasifika representation across both schoolgirls and schoolboys teams.

Young Māori, Pasifika, and Asian cricketers gather at Lloyd Elsmore Park for the opening of the 2026 Rangatahi Cricket Festival, the biggest edition of the tournament to date. Photo/NZ Cricket

The Pasefika Schoolgirls side will be led by captain Tia Fetumapu (Sāmoa), with vice-captain Sonnia Vaia (Tonga and Kuki Airani).

They are joined by Zamera Ikiua (Niue and Kuki Airani), with all three having represented their Major Association Under-19 teams over the summer. Their experience makes them players to watch as the festival unfolds.

Pasifika strength is also on display in the boys’ competition, with Jett Mene-Nash named in the Pasefika Schoolboys team. His sister, Indie Mene-Nash, will represent the Pasefika Schoolgirls.

The siblings are the children of former New Zealand cricketer Dion Nash and Silver Ferns legend Bernice Mene, adding another proud Pacific sporting connection to the event.

Māori talent is equally strong, with every member of the Aotearoa Māori Schoolgirls squad having represented a Major Association age-group team this season.

Their depth highlights the growing impact of Māori wāhine within the national cricket pathway.

Among the boys, Ryan Bond (Ngāi Tahu) has been selected for the Aotearoa Māori Schoolboys side. He is the son of former Blackcaps fast bowler Shane Bond and is one of several players with strong family ties to the game.

Over the past three years, the Rangatahi Cricket Festival has become more than just a tournament. It has created a space where young Māori and Pasefika players can see themselves represented, supported and celebrated within cricket.

All matches will be live-scored on PlayHQ, with coverage also available via nzc.nz.