Bay of Plenty Indoor Hockey: Rapid Growth and Impressive National Success
The Bay of Plenty Hockey Association (BOPHA) is proud to celebrate the extraordinary development and achievements of our Indoor Hockey programs. What began as a modest initiative has quickly evolved into a thriving part of our regional hockey community, with our teams making strong showings on the national stage.
Remarkable Growth in Participation
In 2023, BOPHA fielded just one indoor team — our Under 18 Men's side. By 2024, that number had tripled, with Under 18 Men, Under 16 Girls, and Under 14 Boys all competing. The momentum has continued into the 2025/2026 season, where we proudly sent 8 teams to the National Indoor Hockey Championships, covering 8 out of the 10 available grades. This expansion reflects the growing enthusiasm for indoor hockey across the Bay of Plenty, driven by dedicated players, coaches, and supporters.
Standout Performances at Nationals and Regionals
Our recent campaigns have delivered exciting results across multiple age groups, as highlighted in our December updates and ongoing social media posts on Facebook and Instagram.
At the Indoor Hockey U14 & U16 Super Regional Challenge in Taupō on 6-7 December 2025, our U14 Boys claimed the championship title. They finished undefeated with three wins and one draw, holding on for a tense 3-2 victory in the final against Northern Kauri after leading 3-0 at half-time.
The U16 Boys also dominated the event, winning all four games to secure the championship — with many players building on their success from winning the U14 division in 2024 to achieve back-to-back titles.
Our Under 18 Men's team delivered an outstanding tournament, securing second place at the National Indoor Hockey Championship in Taupō.
The Masters team went one better, claiming the national title in their category with a dominant display.
These achievements highlight the talent and determination within our programmes, with full results and highlights available in our recent Instagram and Facebook posts.
Open Men's Team Shines in Elite Competition
BOPHA also entered an Open Men's side in the recent National Indoor competition, where the standard was exceptionally high. The tournament featured many current and former New Zealand Indoor representatives, alongside players from the NZ Black Sticks men's field hockey squad. Our team competed with grit and resilience throughout, finishing on a high note with a well-earned victory over the Barbarians — a fitting reward for their hard work and commitment.
Looking Ahead: Get Involved!
The rapid growth and success of indoor hockey in the Bay of Plenty demonstrate the huge potential of this fast-paced, exciting format. We are eager to build on this momentum and welcome even more players from across the region to join us.
Keep an eye on the BOPHA website (www.bophockey.co.nz) and our social channels for registration openings, tournament details, and updates for the 2026/2027 season. Tournaments will once again be held in Taupō, providing a fantastic venue for competition and development.
Thank you to all our players, families, coaches, and officials for making this such a successful chapter in BOPHA Indoor Hockey. Here's to even more growth and achievements ahead!