Earlier this year, Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu was proud to support the South Island Kōtiro Māori Rugby League Development Days through the rangatahi-focused RUIA direct investment fund.

Open to kōtiro aged 11 to 17, the days were designed to enhance the young players’ skills and connect them into league pathways, learning from experienced coaches and former Kiwi Ferns.

New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) Kiwi Ferns stars Annabelle Hohepa, Teasha Leka, and Sharlene Atai were on hand both days at Rāwhiti Domain to lead and inspire, as were well-known coaches Te Iwi Ngaro and Tai Arona, who is also an NZRL selector.

Huge mihi to all the players, coaches, organisers and whānau. Eke Tangaroa!

Have a look through the photos by Maxwell Productions below.