Previous White Ferns skipper Maia Lewis is set to mentor the primary New Zealand Maori Secondary Schoolgirls group when they take the field ahead of schedule one year from now.
Following the achievement of closing season’s inaugural New Zealand Maori Secondary Schoolboys team, an equivalent New Zealand Maori Schoolgirls group will be selected to play alongside the boys in Wellington in February. The Maori groups, introduced in Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori, are a piece of NZC’s drive to all the more likely incorporate, perceive and observe New Zealand’s first individuals. NZC Network and Participation Advisor Andrew Tara stated the additions to the Maori enjoying calendar complemented NZC’s push to keep up cricket as a game for every single New Zealander.
“Last season’s New Zealand Maori Schoolboys match was really well received, so naturally we wanted to expand this initiative to also include a girl team,” Mr Tara said.
“Having someone of Maia’s experience is a real bonus and gives this initiative extra credibility. She will be a great resource for our players on and off the field,” he said.
“The opportunity to learn more about Maori culture, including the chance to stay in a local marae, were highlights of last season’s initiative and we’re looking forward to more of these cultural experiences this season.”
Earlier this year, Trent Boult, Blackcaps Paceman presented caps to the three Maori schoolboys who had been chosen in New Zealand Under 19 squad.
“It was an honour to present the caps to the boys last season and it’s great to see there will be a girls team formed as well. I’m very proud of my Maori heritage and hope to see this initiative continue for years to come,” Boult said.
A resistance for the matches in Wellington is still to be affirmed, however, Mr Tara said introductory discussions with the Governor General’s office have been extremely positive. The NZ Maori School matches will be played in the week encompassing the BLACKCAPS first Test against India.
TEAM SELECTION PROCESS : New Zealand Maori School teams
Selection in both the New Zealand Maori School boys and female groups will take place via formal nomination processes. NZC will additionally have selectors at upcoming country wide tournaments (Gillette Cup/Gillette Venus Cup, Under 17 and U19 countrywide tournaments). Players selected in the NZ Maori Secondary School teams ought to be enrolled in a NZ secondary school in 2020.
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