2025 Māori Touch Nationals

Venue: Rotorua International Stadium

Dates: Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December, 2025

Note: EOI's are now closed

2025 Proposed Grades:

  • U18 Taitamāhine (U18 Girls)
  • U18 Taitamatāne (U18 Boys)
  • U21 Hanumi (U21 Mixed)
  • Hanumi (Open Mixed)
  • Wāhine (Open Womens)
  • Tāne (Open Mens)
  • 30 Tāne (30 Mens)
  • 40 Tāne (40 Mens)
  • Pakeke Hanumi (Senior Mixed:30 Mens/27 Womens)
  • Pāhake Hanumi (Masters Mixed: 40 Mens/35 Womens)*
  • 35 Wāhine (35 Womens)*

*Note: Four teams required minimum for a grade to proceed. Where there is insufficient EOIs by close of entries on 20 July, the grade will not proceed in its intended format. Any alternative format considerations are at the discretion of Māori Touch NZ. 

Age grade criteria for 2025 Tournament: 

  • Under 18 grade(s): Born in 2007 or after
  • Under 21 grade(s): Born in 2004 or after
  • 30 Mens and Senior Mixed grade(s): Tāne (30+): Born in 1995 or prior / Wāhine (27+) Born in 1998 or prior
  • 35 Womens (35+): Born in 1990 or prior
  • 40 Mens: Tāne (40+): Born in 1985 or prior

Tournament Director: Harley Wall Email: secretary@maoritouch.co.nz

11 June: Team EOIs open

20 July: Team EOIs close and grades confirmed

1 Aug: Team Invoices Generated

1 Sep: Team Deposit Due ($100 Youth, $150 Open/Masters) 

1 Nov: Remaining Team Fees Due

15 Nov: Draft Draw Released

30 Nov: Final Draw Released

2 Dec: Managers Meeting (Online link to be sent to Managers)

6 Dec: 2025 Māori Touch Nationals Day 1 (Pōwhiri, Pō Whakangahau)

7 Dec: 2025 Māori Touch Nationals Day 2 (Finals, Tuku Taonga)

The Kaupapa

Māori Touch Nationals has been a significant event on the Touch calendar, since its origins in 1998. The event was hosted in Hopuhopu until 2013, before moving to its current home in Rotorua. The tournament provides opportunity for our whānau to represent their hapū, rohe, iwi and takiwā on the touch field. 

A significant part of the Māori Touch Nationals is the Pō Whakangahau on Saturday night. All rohe are able to celebrate their māoritanga by performing their waiata and haka on stage.

Taonga are awarded to each of grade winners at Māori Touch Nationals. Recognition is also given to the best male and female player, referee of the tournament, the best & fairest rohe and rohe of the tournament. 

2024 Key Documents