Led by Sport New Zealand and supported by MBIE’s Event Boost Fund, the programme brings together national sporting organisations, government agencies, councils and community groups to celebrate the power of sport to connect people, cultures and communities.
Tauranga will see national teams take on India across three sporting codes this month, including two BLACKCAPS v India One Day Internationals at Bay Oval, Beach Volleyball at Mount Main Beach featuring the Beach Blacks and Beach Ferns against India, and 3x3 Basketball with the Tall Blacks and Tall Ferns taking on India at Mercury Baypark.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says being selected as a host city recognises Tauranga’s strong sporting reputation and track record of hosting major events.
"Sport has a unique ability to bring people and cultures together, and it's fantastic to be part of a celebration that recognises 100 years of sporting connection between New Zealand and India,” says Mayor Mahé.
"We're proud to host these events, giving our community the chance to get behind our national cricket, volleyball and basketball teams while sharing in the excitement and connections that sport creates.
"Beyond the competition itself, this programme is about celebrating our communities, learning from one another and recognising the diversity that makes our city and country stronger."
Students from Te Wharekura o Mauao, Rāmā Nritha Vihār and the Apna Punjab Bhangra Academy meet during their first rehearsal of Elements of Belonging. Photo credit: Robbie Hunter.
Alongside the international sporting action, Tauranga City Council, in partnership with local Māori and Indian groups, will present Elements of Belonging during the innings break of the first BLACKCAPS v India ODI at Bay Oval on Friday, 13 November.
Produced by the Third Culture Foundation and Tauranga Western Bay Indian Association, the performance brings together around 50 local Māori and Indian performers from Te Wharekura o Mauao, Rāmā Nritha Vihār and the Apna Punjab Bhangra Academy, alongside live musicians, for a vibrant celebration of music, movement and culture.
Director Dhaivat Mehta says it will reflect the spirit of the wider 100 Years of Unity Through Sport celebrations.
"It's about bringing cultures together and creating something wonderful from what we all bring to the table.
"Having these young Māori and Indian performers sharing the stage will be incredibly powerful - the music, the live elements, it will give audiences chills down their spine."
Through the five elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space, Elements of Belonging explores shared experiences through the natural world, creating a fusion of cultural traditions while allowing each to retain its own voice.
Our community and visitors are encouraged to be part of the celebrations by attending the BLACKCAPS v India ODI matches or heading along to watch the free New Zealand vs India Beach Volleyball Test Series and New Zealand vs India 3x3 Basketball events taking place in Tauranga.
Get tickets to see the BLACKCAPS take on India and experience the Elements of Belonging performance live at Bay Oval. A highlight video of the performance will be added to Tauranga City Council's social media.
- BLACKCAPS v India ODI – Friday, 13 November 2026
- BLACKCAPS v India ODI – Sunday, 15 November 2026
Tickets can be purchased here
Free events:
- New Zealand v India Beach Volleyball Test Series - Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 November 2026
- New Zealand v India 3x3 Basketball – Friday, 13 & Saturday, 14 November 2026
Find out more: www.whatsontauranga.co.nz/100-years-of-unity-through-sport