Arkaid (Nga Puhi) was fortunate enough to compete at the NZ Maori Rugby League Taina Tournament in Rotorua in the first weekend of the school holidays. He played for Te Awa Kairangi Rugby League who are based in the Hutt and has been training in the Hutt for 10 weeks for this tournament. Jacob Duncan year 10 competed in this tournament, representing St George.

39 teams competed in this tournament from around the country. From this tournament, a team of 20 players were selected for the
inaugural 14s NZ Maori Team who participated in the Pacific Cup in Auckland, against Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Tokelau. It was a tough gig for the NZ Maori team who has less than 24 hours to get to know each other, learn plays and learn a haka. But with each game they got stronger, even losing just by 4 to eventual tournament winners Toa Samoa.