Whai is a Te Reo Māori word meaning Stingray. In Māori mythology, the Whai is kaitiaki (community guardians), protecting the areas where shellfish – the successful bounty – can be harvested. The Whai are a feature of the Tauranga moana (sea). Whai is also a verb in Te Reo Māori, meaning “to chase, pursue, or aim for.”

We are chasing, pursuing a vibrant and socially connected Tauranga City where young people have their horizon of possibility lifted.

We do this through our home games and community programmes.

We were deeply honored to have been gifted this name following extensive consultation and collaboration with Mana Whenua in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Rotorua, including kaumatua (elders) from Ngāti Pukenga, Ngāi te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Raukawa ki Waikato, Te Whānau ā Apanui, Ngāti Whakaue / Te Arawa and Ngāti Pikiao.

Our name represents our community connections and social purpose, and our partnership with Mana Whenua across the region.

Whai HQ is in Birch Avenue, Tauranga connecting us with our local Hapu Ngati Tamarawaho. The Kopurererua stream which runs close by was used as a training ground by young Māori seeking to catch kia. Keeping with the history of the area, Whai HQ is used today to help inspire, train and equipment young people for service in the community and prepare them for meaningful work.

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