Waitara families have an improved place to shoot hoops, connect and get active, with a new permanent basketball hoop being formally unveiled at Pennington Park on Saturday 19 September.

A free community launch event will celebrate the installation, which is part of BNZ Hoops in Parks, BNZ’s expanded partnership with Basketball New Zealand to support more accessible outdoor places to play across Aotearoa.

The event will include a BBQ, basketball giveaways, BNZ Kiwi Hoops sessions for kids, and appearances from Taranaki Airs players, including Marcel Jones, Riley Tuuta and Zavier Adam.

Marcel Jones says, “Having a quality hoop like this right here in Waitara is huge for the next generation. It gives our young people somewhere to come together, be active, and enjoy the game. You never know where that first shot might lead.”

BNZ Hoops in Parks is supporting the existing half-court with a new permanent hoop, building on the resealing of the court last year, and freshly painted court lines.

Basketball Taranaki General Manager and New Plymouth District councillor David Bublitz says the new hoop will help meet growing demand for places to play.

“Basketball continues to grow across Taranaki, and we want young people to be able to enjoy the game wherever they live,” Bublitz says.

“This gives the Waitara community a place where people can simply turn up, bring a ball and have a game.”

Basketball New Zealand Chief Executive Belinda Edwards says outdoor courts can become important gathering places for their communities.

“They give tamariki, rangatahi and whānau a free place to play, spend time together and grow their skills,” Edwards says.

“Through BNZ Hoops in Parks, we’re helping communities make better use of existing spaces and creating more opportunities for people to get involved in the game.”

BNZ CEO Dan Huggins, who was born in New Plymouth and grew up in Taranaki, says it is particularly special to see the programme supporting a local community.

“Growing up in Taranaki, I know how important places like this can be for local families,” Huggins says.

“Whether it’s young people shooting hoops after school, families spending time together, or volunteers coaching the next generation, basketball has a special ability to bring people together.

“We’re proud to work with Basketball New Zealand on practical programmes that make the game more accessible across Aotearoa.”

So far this year, 2500 young people across Taranaki have participated in BNZ Kiwi Hoops, with Basketball Taranaki on track to reach 3000 by the end of 2026.

The BNZ Hoops in Parks community launch runs from 1pm to 3:30pm on Saturday 19 September at Pennington Park in Waitara.

For more information about BNZ Hoops in Parks, visit: https://nz.basketball/get-involved/hoopsinparks/