Last week was a special one for the team at Teach Me About Property (TMAP), as proud sponsors of the New Zealand Māori Rugby League. The highlight? The highly anticipated clash between the Māori All Stars and the Indigenous All Stars—a showcase of talent, culture, and deep-rooted pride.
The week kicked off in Parramatta with a meeting between the team and the New Zealand Māori Rugby League board. It was more than just business; it was a chance to connect, share stories, and reinforce the importance of supporting initiatives that truly represent and uplift Indigenous communities.
The Jersey Presentation and Cultural Dinner
Thursday was a momentous occasion. The official jersey presentation took place at Darling Harbour, with each player receiving their team jersey. It wasn’t just a handover—it was a symbolic moment, a recognition of the honour of representing their culture on the big stage.
Following the presentation, the teams gathered for a cultural dinner, a powerful experience that brought players and supporters together. For some, it was a reminder of their deep cultural ties; for others, it was an opportunity to reconnect with their roots. Witnessing the performances—the Māori haka and waiata, and the Indigenous team showcasing their own proud traditions—was an emotional and inspiring moment.
More Than Just a Game
What makes this event so special is the mutual respect between the two teams. While the game itself is competitive, the true essence of the match lies in the shared experiences of these two proud cultures. This was the seventh year of the Māori vs. Indigenous All Stars match, and while rivalries often build over time, this event is defined by a spirit of unity.
Both teams come from histories of struggle, resilience, and cultural strength. This shared journey binds them together in a way that transcends competition. While each side fights to win, the real victory is the platform itself—a space for players to proudly showcase their culture at the highest level.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo was acknowledged for the league’s role in creating this incredible stage. Beyond the men’s league team, the All Stars concept includes a touch team and a women’s league team, making the impact even broader and ensuring that many players get the opportunity to represent their people.
Game Day: A Stadium Full of Passion
By Saturday, it was time for the action to begin. The touch game kicked off in the afternoon, setting the tone for an exciting day ahead. But while Thursday’s events had been about the players embracing the concept, Saturday was about the fans.
Commbank Stadium was alive with energy. From the moment you stepped inside, you could feel the pride radiating from the stands. Indigenous and Māori supporters packed the stadium, their voices loud and their presence unmistakable. The atmosphere was electric.
Walking through the stadium, it was impossible to ignore the sea of Māori All Stars jerseys, each proudly displaying the TMAP logo. The fact that the jumpers sold out before the event ended speaks volumes about the pride people have in their culture and their teams.
A Night of Close Contests
The games did not disappoint. Each match was fiercely contested, coming down to the wire.
- Touch Football: The Indigenous All Stars took a thrilling 12-11 victory in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
- Women’s League: The Māori team led early but were edged out in the final moments. The game was tied at 18-all before a last-minute penalty gave the Indigenous team a 20-18 win.
- Men’s League: The game had it all—three disallowed tries, last-minute drama, and a finish that left everyone breathless. The Indigenous team came close multiple times, but the Māori side held strong, making for an unforgettable contest.
The True Victory: Cultural Celebration
While the results on the scoreboard mattered, what stood out most was the overwhelming pride. The event wasn’t just about winning or losing. It was about representing culture, embracing identity, and giving both teams a platform to shine.
In Māori culture, there is a word—wairua—which refers to spirit and energy that can be deeply felt. That was exactly what this event embodied. The passion, the pride, and the sense of belonging filled the stadium. This was more than just a sporting event—it was a celebration of identity and history.
TMAP is honoured to be a part of this journey. Seeing our people perform at the highest level, embracing their culture, and standing proud is what it’s all about. The Māori vs. Indigenous All Stars clash is more than just a game—it’s a movement, a showcase of strength, and a moment for all to embrace and celebrate.