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Celebrating Ruamata's 2023 national title and Taiapua Pakaurangi's MVP honour
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata won the 2023 Secondary Schools A boys' national title in Palmerston North, with Taiapua Pakaurangi named tournament MVP.
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata's boys are 2023 Secondary Schools A national champions, winning the title in Palmerston North. Taiapua Pakaurangi was named the boys' tournament Most Valuable Player.
The final
Ruamata met Aquinas College in the championship final. Aquinas led 15–14 after the first quarter, but Ruamata took the second 29–19 and pulled away after halftime to win 90–68.
Taiapua played the full 40 minutes, with 28 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Alongside his MVP award, he was named in the boys' tournament team.
A team effort
It was a shared win. Benji Holst had 26 points and six steals, and Jeremiah Raroa added 15 points and nine rebounds.
Basketball New Zealand's 2023 tournament report (opens in a new tab)
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata, 2023 Secondary Schools A national champions.
Part of our story
A national title is a big milestone for any kura, and Taiapua's MVP honour gives us another reason to celebrate. Thanks to the coaches, whānau and supporters who stood behind Ruamata all campaign.
For the next generation coming through our kura: aim high, and chase those goals together.
Congratulations to Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata, 2023 national champions, and to Taiapua Pakaurangi, tournament MVP.
