The first game of the tournament between the Golden Homes Black Sox and the Czech Republic begins at 1.30 PM at Rosedale Park on the North Shore of Tāmaki Makaurau.

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The full schedule, and everything else you need to know is available from the Facebook group ‘Whakaata Māori presents: WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2022’.

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One hundred and ninety-two players from 12 countries will compete across 50 games for the world title.

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All tournament games will be carried live on MĀORI+ for Aotearoa fans. Black Sox games will also be broadcast live on television.

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Whakaata Māori is the first indigenous broadcaster in the world selected to host the Softball World Cup.  Four teams of commentators and experts, including reo Māori speakers, will infuse the Māori language into live games, making these games truly unique.

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Tāhuhu Rangapū, Shane Taurima, said the opportunity to broadcast the tournament  gave Whakaata Māori a window to the world.

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“Our live broadcasts will be made available to the world federation for international fans and audiences.  Whakaata Māori is honoured to bring our taonga of culture and language to the diamond, and beyond,” said Mr Taurima.

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An aspect of that culture is manaakitanga, or hospitality, expressed through a Whakaata Māori ‘chill-out’ tent that will be on site during weekend games for fans to relax, meet some of our crew and pick up some free merchandise.

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New Zealand has won seven world titles and 13 medals and is the most successful nation in the 57 years of the event.

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