New Zealand Sport Collective (NZSC) x Whakaata Māori

The New Zealand Sport Collective (NZSC) and Whakaata Māori have formed a powerful partnership to elevate rangatahi sport across Aotearoa while championing the revitalisation of te reo me ngā tikanga Māori.

Whakaata Māori is Aotearoa’s national Māori television network, dedicated to telling authentic Māori stories, promoting te reo Māori, and connecting communities through culturally grounded content. Through its platforms—including free-to-air TV, MĀORI+ and Māori Active YouTube—it plays a vital role in normalising te reo Māori in everyday life and reaching audiences nationwide.

This partnership centres on broadcasting more than 30 national secondary school championships each year, giving rangatahi sport a national stage and strengthening connections between athletes, whānau, and communities. Beyond coverage, the collaboration intentionally embeds tikanga and te reo Māori into every aspect of delivery. Each sporting code receives tikanga guidance and event briefings, ensuring cultural integrity is upheld while building capability across the sector.

NZSC supports the partnership by coordinating events, enabling broadcast opportunities, and facilitating sponsorship integration.

The results of the partnership have been significant. In 2025, over 85 grassroots sporting events were streamed, generating more than 1.9 million views and delivering over 2,800 hours of content across Whakaata Māori platforms. All broadcasts maintained a 30% te reo Māori standard, contributing to increased visibility and everyday use of the language nationwide. The accessibility of free-to-air and digital platforms has allowed more whānau to engage with rangatahi sport, particularly those in remote or under-resourced communities who may not otherwise attend in person.

Together, NZSC and Whakaata Māori are not only increasing the visibility of young athletes, but also reshaping the landscape of school sport in Aotearoa—making it more inclusive, culturally grounded, and accessible for all.