A big congratulations to our U18’s players who have been selected to represent NZ in the upcoming NKosi cup in South Africa.
The teams will be competing in the NKosi cup in Cape Town on the 14th-18th of December 2025.

U18’s Women’s New Zealand NKosi Cup Team

• Libby Crewther
• India Harvey
• Sasha Holt
• Paige Hopping
• Cass Bentham
• Alana Renwick
• Kendall Wallis
• Felise Sanders
• Yasmin Rodda
• Emily Lochhead
• Jasmyn Maher
• Alyssa Fenemor

Coach: Mike Mayo
Assistant Coach: Cameron Collins

U18’s Men’s New Zealand NKosi Cup Team

• Jacob Eade
• Oliver Egan
• Levi Irvine
• Billy Johnson
• Oscar Leigh
• Francois Louw
• Jacob Obermaier
• Dan O’Brien
• Jack Peterson
• Matty Prentice
• Jack Rayner
• Noah Sloan

Coach: Benedict van WOERKOM
Assistant Coach: Alex Sumenko-Bucknell

Firstly, thank you for your support and for submitting an Expression of Interest to attend the U18 Nkosi Cup South African Tour this December.

We’re excited to confirm that the tour will be going ahead, and we are now seeking players to make a firm commitment to attend the selection event and, if selected, to represent NZ Indoor Hockey at the 2025 Nkosi Cup in Cape Town, South Africa.

Tour Details

Dates (subject to final ticketing confirmation):

• Depart Auckland International Airport: 11th December
• Arrive Cape Town: 12th December
• Tournament: 14th–18th December
• Depart Cape Town: 19th December
• Arrive Auckland: 20th December

What’s Included

• Return airfares from Auckland International
• Accommodation and meals (snacks at players’ own cost)
• Local safari tour on Day 2 before play begins
• Tickets to watch the senior national teams
• Playing strip (supplied but returned at end of tour; purchase of replica kit is optional)
• Training kit to keep, including:
  • 2 x training tops & shorts
  • 1 x polo dress shirt
  • 1 x long sleeve tee
  • 1 x hoodie
  • 2 x pairs of socks

NZ Indoor Staff Attending

• Head Coach and Assistant Coach per team
• Team Manager per team

Estimated Cost

• $5,500 NZD per player (we will work to reduce this where possible)
• Deposit: $3,500 due one week after selection
• Balance: Due by 1st November

Selection Event

Date: 4th October
Location: Taupo Events Centre
Cost: $50 per player

Schedule:

• Arrival: 9:30–10:00 AM
• Briefing: 10:00 AM
• Team warm-ups: 10:30 AM
• Games: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Debrief & warm-down: 5:00–5:30 PM

Once we receive your confirmation, we’ll advise team allocations and game times.

To Confirm Your Attendance

Please reply to the email sent from Mike with the following details:

• Full Name
• Position (Forward, Mid, Back, Goalkeeper)
• Association
• Parent/Guardian Contact Name & Number

Selection notifications will be sent via email within one week of the trial.

Training Camp

A further squad training camp is scheduled for 15th–16th November in Auckland. Final details regarding cost and accommodation will be shared shortly.

We look forward to seeing you at the selection event in October and thank you again for your enthusiasm and support in helping grow indoor hockey in New Zealand.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly.

Warm regards,

Mike Mayo
Tournament Director & Board Member
NZ Indoor Hockey

Firstly, thank you for your support and for submitting an Expression of Interest to attend the U23 Nkosi Cup South African tour this December.

Unfortunately, we have not received sufficient interest across genders and age groups to proceed with registering New Zealand teams for this year’s event.

Looking ahead, we are keen to enter future international tournaments in this age group. To make that possible, we need to build greater awareness and participation in indoor hockey across New Zealand — especially at our upcoming National Series in January.

Your continued support is vital. We would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word and encouraging others to get involved, particularly at this age group level where growth is also a key focus.

Thank you once again for your enthusiasm and commitment to the sport.

Warm regards,

Mike Mayo
Tournament Director & Board member
NZ Indoor Hockey

NZ Indoor Hockey confirms the appointment of Thornton McDade as Head Coach to the NZ
Men’s Indoor Squad. Thornton is well known in Auckland hockey circles where he has coached
at representative and club level. Thornton is a two-time Olympic representative for South Africa
and has extensive Indoor experience.

Thornton is excited about the role stating, “it is an honour to step into the role of Head Coach for
New Zealand Men’s Indoor Hockey Team at a time when the sport is gaining momentum.”
Indoor hockey in Aotearoa is growing rapidly—there is more interest, more talent, more energy,
than ever before.
We have a wonderful opportunity to develop a uniquely Kiwi style of indoor hockey – grounded in
teamwork.

Jolene Casey takes the lead with the Women’s Team where she has assisted over the past three
years. Jolene has extensive coaching experience and has been part of Hockey New Zealand’s
Trainer Program and coach development programs. She has already been part of an Oceania
campaign and two world cup events with indoor.

Both appoints are through to the next World Cup.

Other Appointments:
NZ Indoor is close to confirming the Managers for both team through to the end of the Nkosi Cup
Campaign that takes place this December in Cape Town.
Coaches have been invited to work with age group players in early October with a view to
appointing staff to lead junior teams to South Africa where they will compete in an age group-based tournament.

NZ Indoor continues to grow with national tournaments planned for January 2026.

Steve Symonds
NZ Indoor Chairperson
021549388

Kia ora,

We are thrilled to invite expressions of interest for an exciting international indoor hockey opportunity. This December, selected U18 and U23 athletes will have the chance to represent New Zealand on a tour to South Africa, competing in a series of indoor matches and engaging in cultural exchange.

Tour Overview

• Destination: South Africa
• Dates: Early December 2025 (exact dates TBC)
• Age Groups: U18 and U23 (Boys and Girls)
• Purpose: International competition, player development, and cultural experience
• Activities: Matches against South African teams, training sessions, sightseeing, and team-building

Eligibility

• Must attend at least one Training/selection day to be held October 4th (Taupo) and 18th (TBC)
• Players must be actively involved in indoor hockey in New Zealand
• Must be under 18 or under 23 as of 1 January 2025
• Must demonstrate commitment, teamwork, and a positive attitude

What’s Included

• *Return international flights
• Accommodation and meals
• Ground transport
• Tour kit and uniform
• Coaching and support staff
• Cultural excursions and activities

*This may be change to purchase your own flights depending on availability

Estimated Cost

A detailed breakdown will be provided upon selection. Estimated cost per player:
NZD $4,500–$5,500

Next Steps

If you are interested in being considered for this tour, please complete the EOI form by September 30th. This is a non-binding expression of interest and will help us plan accordingly.

👉 EOI Form – NZ Indoor to South Africa

For more information, please contact:
Mike Mayo – Tournament Director
📧 [email protected]
📞 027 248 8250

We look forward to your interest in this exciting opportunity to represent New Zealand on the international stage!

Ngā mihi,
NZ Indoor Hockey Team Management

NZ Indoor Wider Squads Announced.

NZ Indoor Hockey has ratified the squads for the 2025 season. With the continued growth of the sport selectors have seen more players emerge and compete for positions alongside an experienced group of players.

The criteria this year has allowed selectors to consider internationally based players who have represented New Zealand in the past two years or, who are actively involved in recognised Indoor Leagues. Players may be added to camps and the squad throughout the year.

The squads will attend the Nkosi Cup in Cape Town in December 2025. Two camps are planned for later in the year.

2025 NZ Indoor Men’s Squad

Alex Sumenko-Bucknell, Ben Allen, Benedict van Woerkom, Brennan Alexander-Parker, Colby Mills, Daniel van Woerkom, Daniel Scanlon, Dave Green, Gus Griffin, Issac Houlbrooke, James Hickson, Jarryd Russell, Joshua Durant, Kyle Houston, Louis Beckert, Luka Clark, Maks Wyndham-Smith, Matthew Symonds, Max Ruffell, Moss Jackson, Noah Sloan, Ryan Parr, Seth Irons, Stephen Atkinson, Timothy Neild, Tim Green, Will Lacey, Robert Tohu.

Head Coach: TBC

2025 NZ Indoor Woman’s Squad

Alyssa Fenemor, Anna Roberts, Bella Holt, Bria Fitzgerald, Clara Gardiner, Dee Ritchie, Eliza Roxborough-Judd, Ella Leighton, Emily Brun, Grace Gibson, Hannah Cardno, Jessica Kelly, Kirsten-Leigh Pearce, Lily Rushworth, Madeleine Smith, Madeleine Williamson, Marijke McGoon, McKaela Woodward, Melissa Caird, Oriwa Hepi, Sophia Hildesley, Tegan Buchanan

Head Coach: Jolene Casey

Steve Symonds
NZ Indoor Chairperson
021549388