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Honouring Ngahirata Jennings-Haumaha: leading Te Koutu, representing Aotearoa
Ngahirata Jennings-Haumaha captained Te Kura o Te Koutu to back-to-back national Single A titles, was named tournament MVP, and played for the Junior Tall Ferns in Samoa.
We're proud to honour Ngahirata Jennings-Haumaha, who captained Te Kura o Te Koutu to a national championship and represented Aotearoa internationally in 2025.
Captain of the champions
As Te Koutu's captain, Ngahirata led the girls' team to a second straight National Secondary Schools Single A title, retaining the Ngaire Lee Cup.
In the final against Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kura Kōkiri, she put up 32 points, 14 rebounds, eight steals and seven assists. Te Koutu won 88–56, with the whole team contributing to another memorable win for the kura.
Basketball New Zealand's final report (opens in a new tab)
Her tournament earned her the Most Valuable Player award and a place in the girls' tournament team.
Basketball New Zealand's 2025 Results Annual (opens in a new tab)
Wearing the silver fern
That same year, Ngahirata was selected for the Junior Tall Ferns at the FIBA U17 Women's Oceania Cup in Samoa. Named in the squad as a Rotorua Basketball Association representative, she played five games for New Zealand.
National team announcement (opens in a new tab) · FIBA player record (opens in a new tab)
Close to home
Captaincy, a national title, an MVP award and the New Zealand singlet, all in one year. For younger players, seeing someone from Te Koutu achieve on these stages makes those dreams feel closer to home.
Thanks as well to her teammates, whānau, coaches and supporters, who are all part of the wider story of basketball in our community.
Congratulations, Ngahirata. We're proud of your leadership, your achievements and the way you represent Te Koutu, Rotorua and Aotearoa.
