South Seas Pacific Cup Kicks Off with Heartfelt Ceremony at University of Auckland
The South Seas Pacific Cup kicked off at the University of Auckland with a warm ceremony hosted by Ngati-Whatua. Teams from Aotearoa Maori, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, and Samoa were warmly welcomed, along with their families, ICC representatives, New Zealand Cricket organisers, and partner South Seas.
The ceremony, starting with a traditional Māori welcome, paid respect to the legacy, shared values, and community spirit. It is also an exclusive opportunity to showcase the unique but colourful Māori and Pacific cultures in Aotearoa New Zealand.
During the Q&A session, team captains expressed gratitude for the journey in Cricket so far, as well as their experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand. They also shared excitement for the challenges ahead in the South Seas Pacific Cup. The CEO of South Seas Healthcare, Lemalu Silao Vaisola Sefo emphasised: “The tournament is more than just cricket. It's about uniting nations and creating lasting connections and friendships between Pacific communities.”
The opening ceremony set the stage for a tournament focused on collaboration, respect, and excellence. As the cricket action begins, teams are ready to showcase their skills and compete for the final glory. Spectators can expect thrilling matches that embody the true spirit of the sport, sharing the sentiments that is represented at the opening ceremony.
The Pacific Cup tournament details:
Wednesday 17 January
Aotearoa Māori v Papua New Guinea, Lloyd Elsmore Park 1, 10:30am
Cook Islands v Samoa, Lloyd Elsmore Park 2, 10:30am
Fiji v Vanuatu, Lloyd Elsmore Park 3, 10:30am
Cook Islands v Fiji, Lloyd Elsmore Park 1, 3:00pm
Aotearoa Māori v Vanuatu, Lloyd Elsmore Park 2, 3:00pm
Samoa v Papua New Guinea, Lloyd Elsmore Park 3, 3:00pm
Thursday 18 January
Vanuatu v Samoa, Lloyd Elsmore Park 1, 3:00pm
Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands, Lloyd Elsmore Park 2, 3:00pm
Aotearoa Māori v Fiji, Lloyd Elsmore Park 3, 3:00pm
Friday 19 January
Papua New Guinea v Vanuatu, Lloyd Elsmore Park 1, 10:30am
Fiji v Samoa, Lloyd Elsmore Park 2, 10:30am
Aotearoa Māori v Cook Islands, Lloyd Elsmore Park 3, 10:30am
Cook Islands v Vanuatu, Lloyd Elsmore Park 1, 3:00pm
Samoa v Aotearoa Māori, Lloyd Elsmore Park 2, 3:00pm
Papua New Guinea v Fiji, Lloyd Elsmore Park 3, 3:00pm
Sunday 21 January
3rd v 4th playoff, Lloyd Elsmore Park 1, 10:30am
5th v 6th playoff, Lloyd Elsmore Park 2, 10:30am
Grand final (1st v 2nd), TBC, 3:00pm