Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) can confirm that the GJ Gardner Homes Tauihi Final 4 will proceed in its original format, with the Semi-Finals and Grand Final confirmed for the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson on Fri 26 and Sat 27 August.
With the State of Emergency in Nelson extended until Wednesday 31st August, BBNZ has undertaken financial risk assessments and explored potential alternative options including the viability of moving the event to another location.
The League has also consulted with a number of local agencies, as well as held discussions with the four Tauihi teams involved, in order to come to this decision.
GM Leagues, Huw Beynon, who lives in Nelson, says that the League is focussed on making a positive impact to a community, which has been severely affected by the weather event over the past week.
“There’s no doubt that this community – which my family and I are a proud part of – has been through a lot, with people’s homes and livelihoods put at risk by the adverse weather,” says Beynon.
“After everything they’ve been through, this region deserves for the Final 4 event to be held here, and they deserve our heartfelt support and commitment – we want to bring some joy back to the city, some custom back to the businesses, and help Nelson get back on its feet.
“We’ll be undertaking fundraising initiatives while we’re on the ground in Nelson, as well as visits by our incredible Tauihi athletes to local schools, as we lead up to the Final Four. It’s really the least we can do to support and help lift up this community.”
Beynon says that it is important the event does not put any negative strain on the community.
“The Trafalgar Centre has been unaffected by the recent weather event, and it was important to us that the League doesn’t add to any capacity issues the region is facing as a result of the weather event.
“The feedback we’ve received is that the Tauihi Final 4 is a positive opportunity for the region; the general feeling among businesses and local authorities here is one of excitement of our arrival later this week.”
The GJ Gardner Homes Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa FINAL 4 is being held at Nelson’s Trafalgar Centre on 26 and 27 August. Tickets are available at Tauihi.flicket.co.nz. All games are live on Sky Sport.
6pm, Fri 26 August – Semi-final 1, Kāhu vs Whai
8pm, Fri 26 August – Semi-final 2, Queens vs Pouākai
6pm, Sat 27 August – Final, Semi-final winner 1 vs Semi-final winner 2
Find out more at tauihi.basketball
