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Home / Sports / Behind the Scenes with the Brooklyn Nets
Posted inSports

Behind the Scenes with the Brooklyn Nets

Posted By Hayden Burford Posted on January 19, 2026

Kia Ora Canada’s Hayden was given a unique behind-the-scenes look at an NBA game day, experiencing the inner workings of the Brooklyn Nets during their match against the Chicago Bulls.

The opportunity came courtesy of Nets General Manager Sean Marks, a fellow Kiwi, along with the team at Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment.

A First-Hand Look at NBA Game Day Operations

From the moment doors opened at Barclays Center, it was clear why the Nets are considered a world-class organization. The behind-the-scenes access provided insight into the scale, precision, and coordination required to deliver a top-tier game day experience in one of the most competitive sporting markets in the world.

From operations staff to in-game presentation, every detail was executed at a high level, showcasing the professionalism and energy that define the NBA product.

A Night to Remember

Adding to the experience, Hayden and three fellow Kia Ora Canada members were able to take in the game from a corporate suite—an unforgettable way to enjoy the action on court while soaking in the atmosphere of a packed Barclays Center.

Kiwi Connection on the Global Stage

Experiences like this continue to highlight the global impact of New Zealand talent. Seeing a Kiwi like Sean Marks leading an NBA franchise is a proud reminder of how far New Zealanders are reaching across the international sports landscape.

It was not only a memorable night but also an inspiring look at what’s possible on the world stage.

Tags: Brooklyn Nets NBA Sean Mark's
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Posted inNews Sports

March Madness: A Kiwi’s Guide from Madison Square Garden

March Madness isn’t about snow finally melting—though that’s what some Kiwis living in Canada might think when they first hear the term. It’s about college basketball, brackets, upsets, and a uniquely American sports obsession that has fans across the United States—and Canada—glued to their screens every March.

Kia Ora Canada was on the ground at the Iconic Madison Square Garden on March 14th for the Big East Men’s Basketball Final as the madness began heating up in the lead-up to the NCAA tournament.

College Basketball at Madison Square Garden

For any sports fan visiting New York, Madison Square Garden is often on the bucket list. While tickets for New York Knicks games can be expensive, college basketball offers an accessible way to experience the legendary arena.

For Kiwis living in North America, it can take a little time to understand just how big college sports are here—but quickly, the answer becomes clear: it’s a must-watch spectacle.

The Big East Final featured St. John’s Red Storm, the defending champions, against 2024 and 2023 National Champions UConn Huskies. These teams are fierce rivals, and the intensity showed.

The Scene Inside MSG

The crowd wasn’t just students—fans of all ages packed the stands. The energy was unlike anything we had experienced at a basketball game. Bands played from the stands, mascots roamed the court, huge flags waved, and chants echoed around the arena.

Even celebrity sightings added to the excitement. Ray Romano, best known to Kiwis from the 90s hit Everybody Loves Raymond, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm when he learned he would be watching the game from a suite as he walked past the media room.

On the court, St. John’s controlled the game despite UConn’s passionate fans. The final score read 72–52 in favor of St. John’s, guided by legendary Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino.

What Is March Madness?

March Madness is the annual NCAA Division I men’s college basketball tournament featuring 68 teams in a single-elimination format. Its unpredictable nature makes it a cultural phenomenon—not just in the U.S., but also in Canada. Sports bars show the games, fans track every upset, and close finishes keep everyone on edge.

Looking Ahead to Current March Madness

Both St. John’s (ranked 5th) and UConn (ranked 2nd) remain in the NCAA tournament as it moves toward the Sweet 16 stage. St. John’s will face #1 ranked Duke, while UConn takes on #3 ranked Michigan State. Should both teams win, a rematch in the next round is on the cards.

The Bracket Challenge

The “bracket” is essentially a prediction of who will win each matchup. Picking the perfect bracket is famously difficult—no one has ever done it successfully. Companies have even offered big prizes for perfect brackets, including a $1 billion promotion in 2014. Statistically, even informed guesses give only a 1 in 120 billion chance of correctly predicting every game. This doesn’t stop anyone trying including former President Barack Obama, who famously shares his picks each year on social media.

Whether you’re a Kiwi newcomer or a longtime North American sports fan, March Madness is a whirlwind of excitement, rivalry, and unforgettable sporting moments. For Kia Ora Canada, witnessing the Big East Final live at Madison Square Garden was the perfect introduction to the madness.

Read More about March Madness: A Kiwi’s Guide from Madison Square Garden
Posted By Hayden Burford Posted on March 26, 2026
Posted inHome News Sports

Black Ferns Sevens Crowned Champions at Inaugural HSBC SVNS – New York

Kia Ora Canada was on the ground as the HSBC SVNS Series made its debut in New York City, marking the first time the event has been hosted in the city after previous stops in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Held at Sports Illustrated Stadium, home of the New York Red Bulls (MLS), the tournament delivered a weekend of world-class rugby and atmosphere.

Black Ferns Sevens Deliver Dramatic Final Victory

The Black Ferns Sevens continued their dominant, unbeaten run in spectacular fashion, scoring three tries in the final four minutes to edge Australia 22-21 in a thrilling final.

Once again, Jorja Miller, who hails from Timaru, stood out as one of the tournament’s top performers. reinforcing her status as one of New Zealand rugby’s brightest stars. Speaking during the tournament, Miller reflected on the experience of playing in New York:

“I grew up watching New York in movies. To travel here and experience the city is one thing, but to play rugby here is an amazing opportunity.”

Her sentiment was echoed across teams, with players embracing the unique opportunity to compete and play in one the world’s most iconic cities.

 

Mixed Results for All Blacks Sevens

It was a more challenging outing for the All Blacks Sevens, who finished sixth after losses to Australia, France, and eventual champions South Africa.

South Africa claimed the men’s title with a tense 10-7 victory over Fiji in the final.

USA Women Highlights Opening Day

One of the biggest talking points of the tournament came on day one, when the United States Women stunned rivals Canada with a dominant 24-0 win. Adding further misery for Canada in the recent USA V Canada sporting rivalry.

The result ignited a passionate home crowd, who stayed in full voice throughout the weekend. The USA women carried that momentum to finish third overall, while Canada placed seventh.

A Festival Atmosphere in New York

Across the two-day event, a crowd of 20,527 brought energy and colour, with New Zealand flags scattered throughout the stands and fans in fancy dress evoking memories of the golden era of Sevens in Wellington and Hong Kong.

While still in its early stages in New York, the tournament showed strong potential for growth in the “city that never sleeps,” particularly as the USA builds toward hosting the Rugby World Cup 2031 (Men) and Rugby World Cup 2033 (Women)

League Champions and What’s Next

The New York stop also confirmed overall League winners, with the Black Ferns Sevens claiming the women’s title and South Africa taking out the men’s competition under the new HSBC SVNS format.

Attention now turns to the restructured World Championship series, with upcoming events in:

  • Hong Kong (April 17-19)
  • Valladolid (May 29-31)
  • Bordeaux (June 5-7)

More International Rugby to Come

Rugby fans in North America won’t have to wait long for more international action. The Black Ferns (XV)  will feature in the upcoming Pacific Four Series, facing:

  • USA – April 11 in Sacramento
  • Canada – April 17 in Kansas City

Meanwhile, the All Blacks will return to the United States later this year, taking on the Springboks in Baltimore on September 12th as part of their “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” tour.

Read More about Black Ferns Sevens Crowned Champions at Inaugural HSBC SVNS – New York
Posted By Hayden Burford Posted on March 16, 2026
Posted inNews Sports

Kia Ora Canada Takes in the World Darts Championship at Ally Pally

Kia Ora Canada went international, travelling to London’s iconic Alexandra Palace-fondly known as “Ally Pally”-to witness the 2025/2026 Paddy Power World Darts Championship.

A Historic Day for Kiwi Jonny “JT” Tata

The trip was made extra special by the performance of Kiwi darts player Jonny “JT” Tata. A truck driver from Wainuiomata, Tata created a shock first-round upset, forcing a quick reschedule of his flights back home as he chased history, aiming to become the first Kiwi to reach the third round of the tournament.

Tata came out strong, taking a 2-0 lead in the first-to-three sets format. However, England’s Ryan “The Barber” Meikle staged a thrilling comeback, ultimately winning 3-2 in a match that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.

The crowd roared for Meikle, but Kiwi supporters made their presence felt too, singing Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi as Tata built his early lead.

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The Ally Pally Experience

Darts at Ally Pally is a spectacle that extends beyond the boards. Fans can enjoy a wide range of food and drinks outside the arena, try their hand at throwing practice darts, and join in the fun with elaborate fancy dress costumes. Children and adults alike were seen dressed as their favourite players, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.

The event also highlighted the global growth of darts, with stars like teenage phenom Luke Littler helping to expand the sport worldwide.

Results

Tuesday, 23 December saw several headline matches:

  • Jonny Tata 2-3 Ryan Meikle
  • Daryl Gurney (22) 2-3 Callan Rydz
  • Jermaine Wattimena (19) 3-2 Scott Williams
  • Peter Wright (30) 0-3 Arno Merk
  • Danny Noppert (6) 2-3 Justin Hood
  • Gary Anderson (14) 3-1 Connor Scutt
  • Michael van Gerwen (3) 3-1 William O’Connor
  • Josh Rock (11) 3-0 Joe Comito

Most results went largely as expected, though two-time world champion Peter Wright disappointed with an early exit. Former champions Gary Anderson and Michael van Gerwen performed strongly and are set on a collision course for a fourth-round showdown.

The standout of the day was Justin Hood-dubbed “Happy Feet”-who has quickly become a crowd favourite. Hood is confident he can go all the way and claim the £1,000,000 prize. When asked how he’d spend the money, he revealed his dream is to own a Chinese restaurant.

A Proud Day for Kiwis in the Crowd

For Kia Ora Canada, the day was a celebration of Kiwi talent on the global stage and a chance to experience one of the world’s most electric darts tournaments up close. Jonny Tata’s performance was a reminder of what’s possible for New Zealand players, and hopefully it will inspire a new generation of Kiwis to shine on the world’s biggest stage soon.

Read More about Kia Ora Canada Takes in the World Darts Championship at Ally Pally
Posted By Hayden Burford Posted on December 24, 2025

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