2025 Māori Touch NSW Tour Tāwera Ohia.

Celebrating our people:

We proudly stand behind our whānau who carry the legacy of our Tahuna across the globe. This May and June 2025, Māori Touch NZ will be heading over to New South Wales for a history-making tour. Among them is one of our own, Tawera Ohia.

Our Māori men’s, women’s and mixed teams will take on the elite State of Origin teams from the NSW Touch Association, in what will be a powerful showcase of Māori excellence and athleticism.

Led by Māori Touch Chairperson Finney Davis, the tour also includes community engagement, cultural exchanges and training camps that will strengthen the identity of our people abroad.

“This tour provides a platform for our players to represent who they are and where they come from – their whakapapa, their whānau,” says Finney.

We couldn’t be prouder of Tawera Ohia, a living example of commitment, leadership and pride. Born and raised in Mount Maunganui, Tawera attended Tauranga Boys' College, where he demonstrated early leadership and a commitment to excellence. His passion for touch rugby is matched by his dedication and hard work making him a role model both on and off the field. Tawera's journey reflects the values of Mangatawa Marae, and we are honored to celebrate him in the lead up to the international stage.

This kaupapa is a celebration of our rangatahi, of Māori sport and of the power of taking our stories to the world. The Touch tour is just the beginning of many more pathways being opened up for our people.

To Tawera and the entire Māori Touch NZ crew – Carry us with you and know that your whānau stands beside you every step of the way. Kia tau ngā manaakitanga o te Kaihanga ki runga i a koutou i roto i a koutou nei mahi katoa. Hoki pai mai ki te kainga me ou tini koura.

Aroha nui, tō whānau o Mangatawa.