NZ team performing the haka before NZ v Hong Kong China play-in game at 2026 APLU Men’s Lacrosse Championship
For six days last week, there was a different language spoken around the New Zealand Centre for Innovation and Sport in Upper Hutt.
Mark Seager (#15) competes for the ball in NZ v Australia (opening game at 2026 APLU Men’s Lacrosse Championship). Photo: Masanori Udagawa.
Scrimmages, face-offs and slashes replaced the usual games, kick-offs and illegal tackles as seven teams, hailing from China to Australia contested the Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship.
Waipā’s Murdoch Bech, Bastiaan Banks and Mark Seagar played vital roles in the New Zealand team during the tournament, which saw New Zealand qualify as one of the four Asia Pacific representatives for the 2027 World Lacrosse Championship to be held in Japan.
Bastiaan Banks (#3) sings the National Anthem with teammates ahead of NZ v Korea game at 2026 APLU Men’s Lacrosse Championship. Photo: Masanori Udagawa.
Bastiaan Banks (#3) in 2026 Asia Pacific Lacrosse Union Mens Lacrosse Championship – Semifinal – NZ v Philippines. Photo: Masanori Udagawa.
Another Waipa resident, New Zealand Lacrosse Board Member Debra Cowen, was instrumental in the successful operation of the tournament.
The team’s strongest performance came during their play-in match against Hong Kong, China, which they won 10-6, qualifying them for the World Championship, and gaining them a semi-final place. New Zealand will make its seventh appearance at the World Championship, having contested the last six since 2002.
Although a tournament medal eluded the New Zealand team, they showed themselves to be resilient contenders, finishing in fourth place.
Lacrosse, a sport returning to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after an absence of 120 years, is a fast-paced game invented by the Huron and Iroquois tribes, in the area now known as New York and Ontario.
NZ team performing the haka before NZ v Hong Kong China play-in game at 2026 APLU Men’s Lacrosse Championship – Mark Seager #15 at right. Photo: Masanori Udagawa.
