The Tall Blacks will tonight for the first and only time at the Stankovic Cup in China perform their ‘Tu Kaha O Pango Te Kahikatea’ Haka before their match against the host nation in Qingyuan.
Tu Kaha O Pango will be performed as a mark of respect with the passing yesterday of basketball identity Melvyn (Mel) Young, a man who gave over 40 years of service to the sport at all levels and was known to many, including current Tall Blacks coaching staff Paul Henare and Pero Cameron, and numerous of the current players including captain Mika Vukona.
“I know of the great commitment that Mel had to our sport and the difference he has made to so many players and families through his tireless and selfless contribution,” said Henare. “I knew of Mel through our shared involvement in the Koru tours and met him on many other occasions, his loss has been felt and acknowledged here in China and any players who were not aware of Mel and what he has done for the game have been told of his work over many years. This is a part of who we are as Tall Blacks, understanding our game and our history, not just those who have played in the black singlet.”
The line that perhaps best sums up that sentiment from Tu Kaha O Pango is:
‘He pakiaka, toi Ariki, toi Uru tapu.’ This translates to: ‘Our strength is our roots, our past, this is our foundation. It is our sacred strength, from above.’
The team will play the game against China tonight knowing that they are already in Friday night’s final against the winner of Venezuela and Mexico. Henare though is not wanting to slow down the momentum that is building on the back of two wins in the tournament so far.
“We must continue to build and improve, clearly we were some way off where we want to be against Mexico with our turnovers simply not acceptable. The wins are nice but for us it is about improving, ensuring that we are at our best in 9 days against Australia for sure, but also making sure we are at our best every time we pull on the singlet and hear the anthem. I expect an improved and more disciplined performance tonight against a China team that will be desperate to record a win in their home tournament.”
The Haka will also acknowledge the host nation China, for their running of the Stankovic Cup and hosting of the New Zealand team while the team will also wear black armbands as a show of respect to Mel Young and his family.
Mel Young was awarded the Lance Cross Award 12 years ago and has been heavily involved with FIBA and FIBA Oceania in various roles, many of them youth and community orientated.
