Waikato BOP AVIS Magic gathered in Tauranga for a special and intimate dress presentation to mark the beginning of the 2025 ANZ Premiership season.
The evening opened with a whakatau led by hapū representative and Mangatawa Papamoa Block General Manager, Vinnie Campbell, who warmly welcomed players, staff, and whānau. Pahu Akuhata of Haahi Ratana Ture blessed the dresses, setting a reflective and connected tone on Ngā Pōtiki whenua (land) at Mangatawa, the home of Magic and the location of their training venue, Mercury Baypark, that carried through the night.
Head coach Mary Jane Araroa introduced special guest Betty Steedman, a lively 96-year-old born in Whitianga, who was called into the 1948 New Zealand Basketball Team (now known as netball and the Silver Ferns) for the third Test against Australia. Betty had the honour of presenting the dresses to the players, a moment that beautifully connected Magic’s present to the pioneers who paved the way.
Each player received their dress individually, sharing what it means wearing the Magic colours. A common thread through every story was a deep sense of belonging, whānau first and mana in who they are representing and where they come from.
Reflecting on the evening, Head coach Mary Jane Araroa said,
"Every dress has a story. Tonight, our players shared theirs. That’s the heart of Magic and what drives us as a team, a deep connection to something bigger than ourselves."
Magic open their 2025 ANZ Premiership season on Saturday 10 May, taking on the Pulse. The team’s first home game is on Monday 19 May at Globox Arena in Hamilton, a chance for the Magic fans to come together and show their support. Tickets can be found here.
