The Hakaraia Wilson Memorial Grappling Tournament 2027

Saturday, January 9, 2027 Rotorua, New Zealand

At a Glance

Divisions

Gi No-Gi Kids

Entry

$25 - $35

Prizes

Team

Description

Tena Koutou Katoa !

Nau mai, haere mai ! Come and celebrate the life and legacy of Hakaraia Wilson through grappling. Set along the marae atea at one of his very marae - Te Koutu

As we bring together competitors from all over Aotearoa and abroad, this event is open for all-regardless of ethnicity, academy, or affiliation.

For all our Maori competitors, you will have the opportunity to compete for the podium finish AND your represent your iwi and waka.

Tamariki/Youth AND Adult Male & Female athletes will face off for the TOP ATHLETE trophies - winners will be decided by the Fastest Submission.

Who will be our "TOP ATHLETE", "TOP WAKA" & "TOP IWI" trophy winners of Aotearoa Grappling?!?!

Hauora providers will be on-site sharing information on their services including mental health support, healing spaces with mirimiri, physiotherapy, chiropractic care and more.

Kai, Coffee, Ice Cream Carts, and Merchandise will be available for purchase

Designated Kaumātua spaces will be inside the whare kai with food and refreshments as well as front row seating of all the action

Karenga Park Reserve will host a FREE whanau/community space with bouncy castles and activites for the whole family. Car Parking will also be at Karenga Reserve.

Free Shuttle vans between Karenga Reserve and Te Koutu Marae will be available for kaumātua and those who need it.

Concluding the event will be the presentations for our TOP Athletes and OVERALL Iwi & Waka Trophy winners followed by LIVE MUSIC from local artists - The Lil T's (tamariki/youth band) and the Hi T's local band.

We look forward to seeing you all for an action packed day for the whole whanau.

Event Details

Prize Details

TOP ATHLETE trophies for tamariki/youth and adult male & female (winners decided by fastest submission). Overall TOP WAKA and TOP IWI trophies awarded to winning waka and iwi.

Where to Stay Near the Venue

Affiliate

Closest hotels to the venue, sorted by distance.

Closest 0.3 km from venue Bennetts Road hotel ★ 3.6 131 Bennetts Rd, Koutu, Rotorua Check availability

0.6 km from venue Lake Rotorua Hotel ★ 2.4 131 Lake Rd, Koutu, Rotorua Check availability

0.8 km from venue Utuhina Hot Springs Fishing Lodge ★ 2.8 99 Lake Rd, Ohinemutu, Rotorua Check availability

0.9 km from venue Bella Vista Rotorua Motel Accommodation ★ 4.2 94/96 Lake Rd, Ohinemutu, Rotorua Check availability

See all hotels near the venue

Divisions

Girls No-Gi$25
Boys No-Gi$25
Juvenile Girls No-Gi$25
16-17 years
Juvenile Boys No-Gi$25
16-17 years
Female No-Gi$35
18 years and above
Male No-Gi$35
18 years and above

Organizer

Te Whare Mamau o Aotearoa

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Hakaraia Wilson Memorial Grappling Tournament 2027 taking place?

The event is set along the marae atea at Te Koutu marae.

Is the tournament open to everyone?

Yes — the event is open for all regardless of ethnicity, academy, or affiliation.

Can Māori competitors represent their iwi and waka?

Yes — Māori competitors will have the opportunity to compete for a podium finish and represent their iwi and waka.

Which athletes compete for the TOP ATHLETE trophies and how are winners decided?

Tamariki/Youth and Adult Male & Female athletes will compete for the TOP ATHLETE trophies, and winners will be decided by the Fastest Submission.

Are there team or group trophies awarded?

Yes — there are TOP WAKA and TOP IWI trophy winners, and presentations for these trophies conclude the event.

Will there be hauora and health services on site?

Yes — hauora providers will be on-site sharing information on services including mental health support, healing spaces with mirimiri, physiotherapy, and chiropractic care.

What food, drink, and amenities will be available?

Kai, coffee, ice cream carts, and merchandise will be available for purchase, and designated Kaumātua spaces inside the whare kai will offer food, refreshments, and front row seating.

Is there parking and transportation between parking and the marae?

Car parking will be at Karenga Park Reserve, and free shuttle vans between Karenga Reserve and Te Koutu Marae will be available for kaumātua and those who need it.

Will there be family activities or a community space?

Yes — Karenga Park Reserve will host a FREE whanau/community space with bouncy castles and activities for the whole family.

Will there be live music at the event?

Yes — following the presentations, live music will be performed by The Lil T's (tamariki/youth band) and the Hi T's (local band).