ICYMI, there are big things happening in New Zealand hoops right now with the launch of a brand new women’s professional league earlier this year, known as ‘Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa’. It’s a big step forward for the women’s game – they’ve got pay parity with their male counterparts, they’ve got big crowds coming to the games, and they’re getting broadcast on Sky Sports.
But progress doesn’t just happen – it takes people like Rachel Taulelei, who is the Co-Owner of the Tokomanawa Queens, to drive it. The Queens, who are based in Wellington, boast a roster jam packed with domestic and international talent – not only showing young Kiwi girls a pathway to the big time, but showcasing WNBA level talent for the first time in New Zealand. StockX is proud to be a supporting partner of the Queens this season as they blaze a trail for the next generation of female hoopers in NZ.
While the lasting impact of the new league won’t be felt for years, it’s providing an instant buzz for pro hoops in the country. With big crowds in the arena, watching on Sky, and checking out the live streams on the FIBA YouTube channel, the women’s game is finally getting to shine in prime time. We caught up with Rachel to learn more about everything NZ hoops.
Q: Rachel, it’s season 1 of Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, what does it mean for women’s basketball in NZ to have a new professional league up and running?
The new league is a game changer – literally. For decades NZ women have been playing competitively, but largely internationally – at colleges and in leagues around the world. And now they get to come home and play in front of friends and whānau (family) – professionally. Almost more importantly our young women now have the opportunity to see and get to know our elite athletes. It keeps them in the game and makes basketball a very real prospect for them professionally.
With regards to calibre, the professional league has instantly elevated the level of play in New Zealand. Amateurs playing alongside women who have come to us from NCAA Div One, Euro leagues and the WNBA. It’s very much a case of all boats rising with this tide.
Q: Talk to us a little bit about basketball culture in New Zealand – we know of course that sports like rugby, netball, and cricket are big there, but do kids have pathways to pursue the game of basketball at a higher level?
Basketball is the fastest growing sport for our kids in New Zealand – they LOVE it. And so as numbers grow, so too do the pathways. Basketball New Zealand have a programme called “Girls Got Game” which is seeing a huge uptake from our young women….and the Tauihi league is contributing really positively to that increase in participation. It’s about connecting our elite players with kids playing day in day out on their street corner, school gym, and in their driveways at home.
The culture is defined for the most part by what the kids see on TV – the street, swagger, hip hop…which is the beauty of basketball, how it can bring together all kinds of worlds and level them out so anyone can participate and have fun. New Zealand’s carving out its own identity in this space. The men have a head start and they have an amazing and deserved following….and now we’re following in their footsteps.
Q: The calibre of players playing and the level of basketball looks like it has been amazing, has the on-court product been what you expected? And how are the fans responding?
It’s even better than expected. When you build a team for the first time, it’s based on a mix of video, experience, conversation and a little bit of taking a punt. So when it comes together as desired and designed, it’s epic and rewarding all at the same time. Our team was built with a very specific style in mind….that run and gun style…which is coming alive beautifully.
The fans are fantastic – they’ve jumped in behind it straight away. The Queens have worked to make everyone feel like whānau (family) and that’s coming through. It’s a really fun experience at the game with King Kapisi, DJ Raw, and More Than Moves our hype crew. And our Queen, QueenT is the hands down favourite with everyone – she’s fierce – and she encapsulates the inclusivity we’re shooting for through the game.
Q: From what we have seen, the Queens home games are pretty wild, and I know the team has support from some big local personalities. What’s the vibe like at a Queens game?
It’s filled with anticipation…and honestly, love. Love of the game, love of change, and love for their new pro women ballers.
From the minute people arrive and we give them a t-shirt and Queens poster for the kids to have signed, to the first DJ, then the second DJ Raw, King Kapisi, our hype crew and Queen T, there’s no shortage of things to take in. That’s before you get to activations where players and coaches shoot for cash for their teams, lollies, balls flying…so yeah, it’s a fun vibe. An awesome night out when you add back in the actual game with all the Queens, both teams, going toe to toe.
Q: What’s the biggest thing you would like people to know about the Tokomanawa Queens that they might not already know?
That we’re here for the long game. Our name is taken from Pou Tokomanawa, the beautiful, strong, carved posts you find in the middle of our traditional Māori meeting houses. These Pou are always imbued with story, and carry great responsibility. And that’s us. We’re ready to elevate the women’s game and the only thing between us and succeeding in that respect, is us. We’re motivated by values like hustle, class, originality and connection. By the ability to lead change and role model what it is to excel both on and off the court. Queens all day.
You can follow the Tokomanawa Queens on Instagram here, and check their website to stay up to date on all the latest news. Stay tuned as we bring you more from the Queens soon ?
Shout out to Saint Andrew Matautia for the imagery used in this feature.
