Karanga mai e te motu! New Zealand Cricket is proud to announce Te Ara Putanga, a new episode in the NZC Whakapapa series that follows the journeys of four prominent New Zealand cricketers, including current WHITE FERN Eden Carson and Jamal Todd of the Otago Volts.
Through their stories, the documentary explores a wider movement taking place across Aotearoa, where more young Māori cricketers are finding opportunities to connect with both the game and their culture using cricket programmes as the vehicle.
Established in 2019, the Māori Secondary Schools programme was created to provide rangatahi with meaningful opportunities to engage with both cricket and culture.
Over the past decade, it has become a cornerstone of Māori cricket development, creating a sense of belonging while helping young players strengthen their connection to their identity, language and whakapapa.
Eden and Jamal revisit the Māori Secondary Schools environment during the episode, reflecting on the impact the Māori cricket programmes had on their own development and seeing first-hand how it continues to influence the next generation.
Alongside Carson and Todd, former internationals-turned coaches Shane Bond and Maia Lewis provide perspectives from different eras of the game, illustrating both the challenges and opportunities that have shaped Māori cricket over time.
Together, the four tell the story of New Zealand Cricket's Māori journey from its historical roots to the present day, highlighting how cricket has become a vehicle for connection, culture and belonging for Māori cricketers throughout the country.
Released during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2026, Te Ara Putanga celebrates the growth of Māori cricket while looking ahead to an exciting season, beginning with the 2026 Tāne and Wāhine National Tournaments in Tāmaki Makaurau this October.
The full episode will premiere on NZC’ YouTube on Monday 14th September during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2026, with social cuts appearing on NZC digital channels.
Ngā mihi nunui to the whānau and the whenua of Te Mahurehure Cultural Marae Society and Te Whare o Te Purapura Pai and Birkenhead College for allowing these moments to be captured in their space.
