Unison Teams Up with Community for Nui Ball
Porritt Primary School and Maraenui Bilingual School share the Nui Ball Shield as top schools for 2023.
Over 60 children from six Hawke’s Bay primary schools came together today on the basketball court for the annual Nui Ball event, made possible with the support of Unison.
Organised by Basketball Hawke's Bay, Sport Hawke's Bay and Kahungunu Poitūkohu, the event took place at the Maraenui Shopping Centre Reserve, with Unison fully backing the initiative to foster within the community.
Now in its ninth year, the Nui Ball event featured teams of Year 5 and 6 students from Maraenui Bilingual, Marewa, Te Awa, St. Patrick’s, Porritt Primary and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu schools competing in boys, girls, and mixed divisions. Teams battled it out for the highly coveted Nui Ball Shield.
Unison General Manager Commercial, Jason Larkin said it was exciting to see the event growing in popularity and success over recent years.
“We're thrilled to see how Nui Ball has evolved and become a central part of the Maraenui community, contributing to the wellbeing of all. This event is a great opportunity for kids to try their hand at basketball and participate in a sport that nurtures their development, promotes teamwork, sparks strategic thinking, and boosts self-confidence.
“The kids truly shine during this event, and their smiles are priceless. The convenient location of the event at the nearby shopping centre makes it easily accessible for local schools, removing any barriers.
“We're proud to be a part of something that has such a positive impact on the local community,” Mr Larkin said.
Basketball Hawke’s Bay General Manager, Tim Baker said they were thrilled to put Nui Ball on once again for the community.
“Well done to all the children that participated this year, and thanks to Sport Hawke’s Bay and Kahungunu Poitūkohu for all their help with the organisation of the event.
“A special shoutout must go to Unison. They’re truly the greatest supporter of junior sport in Hawke’s Bay and we’re very grateful to have partnered with them for nearly ten years,” Mr Baker said.
Porritt Primary School, Maraenui Bilingual School and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu emerged as champions in the girls', boys', and mixed divisions, respectively. Maraenui share the Nui Ball Shield with Porritt, the defending champions, as the top schools of the day.