Alice Wheately-Wilson in action
Te Awamutu will take centre stage in New Zealand lacrosse when the senior nationals tournament arrives at Te Awamutu Sports this weekend.
Ashton Perrett (yellow) defending against Canterbury. Photo: William Chisholm
Waipā athletes will be right in the thick.
The tournament brings together the country’s best regional programmes. Waipā’s will have a strong contingent of Te Awamutu and surrounding area athletes involved.
On the women’s side, Holly Harris, Ashley Karl, Alice Wheatley-Wilson (Ōhaupō), and Taumarunui’s Brooke Bolstad have all earned Blax titles through New Zealand women’s campaigns over the years.
A Canterbury player takes on Brooke Bolstad (Waikato) at senior nationals 2025 in Christchurch. Photo: William Chisholm
That Bolstad makes the journey from Taumarunui to commit to Te Awamutu Sports speaks volumes about the club’s growing reputation as a home for serious lacrosse athletes.
They are joined in the Waikato Women’s Development Team by Eva Walton and Tash Featherstone.
The men’s representation is equally impressive. Sam Denize, Elijah Lee, Ashton Perrett, Nathan Honeyfield, Nye Linton, Floyd Owen, Xavier Cox, Ethan Joblin and Michael Smith all feature in the Waikato men’s setup.
They are joined by Pirongia pair Ben Cowen and Mark Seager.
Ashton Perrett (yellow) defending against Canterbury. Photo: William Chisholm
Harley Stevens adds further regional flavour, having earned selection with the Wellington team. Quade Raroa has a defensive role with the Auckland men’s team.
The New Zealand men’s programme recently secured their place at the next World Championship after a successful qualifier in Wellington, while the women’s programme has its sights set on the Division Two World Championship in Wrocław, Poland in July.
Te Awamutu Intermediate and Te Awamutu College have both played a role in developing the player base now feeding into regional competition.
A primary lacrosse initiative has launched for Year 4-6 students and sessions run on Wednesday evenings at Te Awamutu Sports.
Te Awamutu College players are volunteering their time to coach and mentor the next generation.
Visitors to the nationals weekend will also get a taste of international competition, with Burnside Lacrosse Club making the trip from Adelaide to compete in the women’s tournament.
Defensive player for Auckland men, Quade Raroa. Photo: William Chisholm
Alice Wheately-Wilson in action. Photo: William Chisholm
