St Patrick's Silverstream (blue and white) and Naenae College (black and red). Naenae College won on the day. Photo: RNZ Pacific
"Kilikiti is about community, culture, fun, health and well-being," Theresa Lealofi, captain of the Tilafaiga Titans, says.
The sounds and colours of the Pacific were on full display around Wellington's international cricket ground, the Basin Reserve on 1 March.
The pitch, which has hosted international giants of the game such as India and Australia, played home to a different, but no less entertaining, style of the game: kilikiti, or Samoan cricket.
Naenae college (sitting down) and St Patrick's Silverstream Photo: RNZ Pacific
(L-R) Leki Saufa'i , BJ Lotolau, Jaden and Daniel Fosia Tanielu. Photo: RNZ Pacific
However, it was not just Samoans taking part: the flags of Samoa, Tonga, American Samoa, Tokelau, New Zealand, Fiji, Niue and Tino Rangatiratanga were flying proudly on Saturday.
Considered Samoa's national sport, kilikiti is played by many different nationalities in Aotearoa. Cricket was introduced to Samoa by Christian missionaries, but the indigenous Samoans adapted it to suit their own customs and environment.
Without willow trees, from which to make a regular cricket bat, the three-sided Samoan war club, the LapaLapa, has become the implement with which batters strike at a ball made of pandanus leaves.
Kilikiti bats on display at the Basin Reserve Photo: RNZ Pacific
Building on the success of the first 'Kilikiti at the Basin' event, in 2024, this year's event featured even more teams, including youth sides and two all-female XIs.
The event's committee is made up of Cricket Wellington, the Ministry of Pacific Peoples and various kilikiti organisations in the Wellington region.
Some of the committee members of Kilikiti at the Basin event Photo: RNZ Pacific
"Our awesome organizing committee, seven of us, three women, four men, are from all across Wellington and they are just integral to making this happen and making sure it's done in a culturally respectful way." Said Cricket Wellington's diversity and inclusion lead Frankie Stewart.
She explained that getting young people involved this year was easier, because of support from the Wellington Samoa Kilikiti Association.
Stewart also thanked the event's sponsors.
"Without those people financially supporting it, we couldn't make it happen," she said.
Theresa Lealofi, captain of the Tilafaiga Titans, said: "It was a monumental occasion, especially for the women."
"We weren't given this platform last year. So, to have this opportunity this year is really exciting and felt amongst all of the women."
Taema Warriors (left) and Tilafaega Titans Photo: RNZ Pacific
(L-R) Ane, Sesilia Finau and Malia Photo: RNZ Pacific
Sesilia Finau, captain of the other women's team, Taima Warriors, said it was great seeing young people turn up.
"So good to see our kids out there enjoying the game. Because, you know, they like especially they play rugby and other sport a part from cricket.
"Until now, it's something different for them, which is really interested and so proud of some of our young ones. They've actually joined,"
Nathaniel S Leau or Naph S Leau, who took part in the inaugural event last year, said was it really easy to get the community on board to support the event.
"As soon as everyone hears the Basin Reserve, because it's such a historical ground, everyone just goes, man, I want to be there, you know, and be a part of it," he said.
Flags flying at the Basin Reserve during the kilikiti at the Basin event Photo: RNZ Pacific
"I think just being able to lift up Pasifika communities up on this big stage, we don't often get to do see that.
"I think everyone just jumps on board and wants to support and get behind. So not just the Pasifika, but all our other like nationalities or cultures that you know are supporting. It's cool."
Naph, who played for the Hutt Valley All Stars, said the community support for the event has been awesome.
"An amazing event to see community come together, our culture shining on the big stage. It's amazing and seeing the public come and support."
