Cornwall Cricket Club – Understanding Your Community Case Study

With Katie Perkins

What steps did you take to create an inclusive club?

Former WHITEFERN and Cornwall Cricket Club President, Katie Perkins, reached out to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei (NWO) to connect with the iwi and discuss what a meaningful relationship between the club and the iwi could look like. Katie spoke about what the club does and what it may be able to do to support iwi members to engage with cricket if they wanted to. The iwi also suggested ways they could support the club.

Following initial meetings between Perkins and NWO representatives, the iwi invited board members of Cornwall CC to Ōrākei Marae. Members who attended learnt about iwi history, their current values and focuses, and were exposed to the day-to-day workings of a marae. The time of whakawhanaungatanga (building relationships) was hugely important and enjoyed by all.

How did you know that you needed to make these changes/adaptations?

Aware of a need to grow in both mindset and as a sport, Perkins knew the club needed to develop new relationships. Moreover, Cornwall CC sits at the base of Maungakiekie, which was home to a significant NWO pā site prior to European settlement in Tāmaki. Acknowledging this history of the area and connecting with mana whenua was a catalyst for this relationship to grow.

What feedback did you receive from your club members or community?

Although early on, Perkins has received resoundingly positive feedback from club delegates.  Drawing on her experience in Te Ao Māori, Perkins has led this kaupapa with the full support of the club board.

This collaboration will see NWO conduct a whakatau at the club to bless the start of the 2024-25 season, and the club will deliver fundamental skill sessions at the marae’s Puna Reo (early learning centre) in Term 4.