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Kia Ora Canada Exclusive: Raptors Playoff Tickets Now Available

It’s playoff time in Toronto, and Kia Ora Canada is excited to offer our community an exclusive ticket opportunity in partnership with the Toronto Raptors.

For the first time since 2022, the Raptors are back in Round One of the NBA Playoffs, where they’ll face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s shaping up to be an electric series, and there’s no better way to experience it than live.

Thanks to our ongoing partnership, Kia Ora Canada members have access to playoff tickets through our exclusive offer which can be accessed here.

In addition, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment is once again opening up Jurassic Park for fans to watch the playoff games on big screens outside Scotiabank Arena.

Jurassic Park became world-famous during the Raptors’ 2019 championship run and was so popular it had to be expanded multiple times to accommodate demand.

Fans will need to download the Toronto Raptors app to enter the draw and secure access. Entry will be free, but tickets are limited to two per person.

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All Whites v England – NZ Supporters Tickets Information

Kia Ora Canada has been working behind the scenes alongside NZ Football and The Flying Kiwis around the All Whites FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in Vancouver.

We’re excited to share some further news.

Not only will the All Whites face England in Tampa, Florida in a World Cup warm-up match on June 6th, but NZ Football has also announced a dedicated NZ supporters’ zone behind the goal! This is a fantastic opportunity for fans to get behind the team and experience the match atmosphere up close—especially for those who may not be able to make it to LA or Vancouver for the World Cup itself.

Ticketing details:
Tickets go on sale Tuesday April 14 at 10am EST.
Access link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0D006481CE88D716?did=nzsupporters
Passcode: NZSUPP

We understand ticket prices are expected to be around USD $100.

The match in Tampa will mark the All Whites third meeting with England, with the previous two encounters both taking place in June 1991 in Auckland and Wellington respectively.

Will England finally bring it home in 2026? or will the All Whites derail their World Cup preparations before they’ve even begun!

Kia Ora Canada will have further updates soon around all the exciting events and pre-match functions we have planned during the World Cup.

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PWHL Battle of Ontario – Toronto Sceptres vs Ottawa Charge

Kia Ora Canada was on the ground at Coca-Cola Coliseum on Saturday for the second of three “Battle of Ontario” matchups this month, as the Toronto Sceptres hosted the Ottawa Charge in front of a sell-out crowd of 8,716.

It was clear this was more than just a hockey game—it was an event. With Barbie as an official partner of the PWHL, the arena was awash with pink, as fans embraced the theme and snapped up Barbie belt bag giveaways. It added to what was already a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere—one of the standout features of the PWHL experience.

A Playoff-Like Atmosphere

Despite a packed Toronto sports schedule—with both Toronto FC and the Toronto Blue Jays playing the same day—the Coliseum was buzzing. It speaks volumes about the growing appetite for women’s hockey in the city and the league’s ability to draw passionate support.

The crowd made their presence felt early and often, with loud “Let’s Go Sceptres” chants echoing around the arena, trying to spur the home side on in what quickly became a tight, physical contest.

Scoreless Through Two… But Not for Lack of Chances

Toronto came out flying, dominating the first period with pace and pressure. That momentum carried through much of the game, with the Sceptres finishing with a remarkable 42 shots on goal.

Yet somehow, the scoreboard remained locked at 0–0 after two periods.

Ottawa Strikes Late

As is often the case in hockey, failing to capitalize can come back to haunt you—and for Toronto, discipline proved costly at key moments. Midway through the third period, the Sceptres found themselves down two players, while Ottawa also had a player in the penalty box, creating a brief but tense 4-on-3 situation that shifted momentum.

At 11:20 of the third period, Charge captain Brianne Jenner broke the deadlock with her 10th goal of the season, capitalizing on a turnover forced by Rebecca Leslie. Rookie Sarah Wozniewicz sealed the result with an empty-net goal late in the game, giving Ottawa a 2–0 victory.

Ottawa’s goalie, Gwyneth Philips, delivered a historic performance, stopping all 42 shots—the most ever in a PWHL shutout. It was a clinic in composure and positioning, keeping the Charge in the game despite being outplayed for long stretches.

Toronto goalie Raygan Kirk had a quieter night in terms of volume, stopping 16 of 17 shots, but still delivered a solid performance in a game where focus is often harder to maintain.

Physical, Intense, and Full of Talent

Players shake hands after the game, the 2-0 score line didn’t reflect the shots and opportunities that Toronto had.

This game had a real edge to it. With national team players on both sides, the physicality built throughout, and at times the referees had to step in to keep things under control. It was fast, intense, and fiercely contested, with some heavy hits that wouldn’t look out of place back in New Zealand on a “Smashed ’Em Bro” segment from Crowd Goes Wild. The crowd fed off that energy too, finding its voice in the third period and loudly voicing their frustration with the officiating through a chant.

Playoff Implications Heating Up

The result has major playoff implications. Ottawa moves into the crucial fourth and final playoff spot with 36 points, while Toronto sits just behind in fifth with 34.

With another head-to-head clash looming at TD Place Arena in Ottawa later this month, the stage is set for a dramatic finish. That matchup could very well decide who claims the final playoff berth.

Post-Game Media Conference

Ottawa Charge Acting Head Coach Hayley Irwin kept it simple post-game, summing it up with, “A win’s a win,” highlighting the importance of taking the result and moving forward in a tight playoff race.

Ottawa Goalie, Gwyneth Philips was pleased with both the performance and the bigger picture: “Pretty good, but I’m just excited to be back in the playoff spot. We’ve got some good energy in the locker room so I’m looking forward to the next three games.”

Goal scorer Brianne Jenner emphasized the team’s motivation and collective effort: “I think the thing that’s motivating us right now is chasing that playoff spot… Gwyneth was huge for us today, but up and down our lineup, we had players coming up in key moments… it’s coming together.”

For Toronto, Raygan Kirk reflected on the nature of the contest, calling it a high-intensity battle: “It felt like a playoff game… the first period especially was super fast… there’s a lot of good to take from it.”

Sceptres Head Coach Troy Ryan echoed that sentiment, noting the positives despite the result: “I liked a lot of what went on today… we were playing the right way. Playing well enough to win… but sometimes when you let teams hang in, it tends to cost you—and obviously it did.”

Why You Should Attend a PWHL Game

If this game was anything to go by, attending a PWHL game should be high on your list:

  • Electric atmosphere – loud, passionate, and inclusive
  • Family-friendly environment – welcoming for all ages
  • Elite skill level – showcasing the best in women’s hockey
  • Meaningful competition – with playoff races going down to the wire

The PWHL continues to build momentum, and nights like this show exactly why. High-quality hockey, big-game energy, and a growing fanbase—women’s sport in Canada is not just thriving, it’s must-watch.

Kia Ora Canada will be keeping a close eye on the final “Battle of Ontario” clash—because if this one was anything to go by, we’re in for something special.

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What’s the deal with the CPL?

Featured Image Credit: Canadian Premier League

Picture this: It’s May 2006. You’re watching rugby on the TV. Not just any game, the Super Rugby Final, Crusaders versus Hurricanes. Both teams have been indeniably on-form, and are both leaps and bounds ahead of any other team. This is the most anticipated rugby game of 2006. But when you flick on the television you can barely see anything. Half the field is coated in a thick haze, the commentators sound clueless, and any time the ball is kicked, nobody, not even the players, know where it’s gone. It’s the Final In The Fog.

Canada might not have their “Fog Final,” but they do have their −1 °C “icicle kick” scored in the 2025 CPL final. A final that will go down cult history as it was played in a snowstorm.

Canada’s penultimate football/soccer competition might not initially be on your radar as a newcomer to the country, especially as a Kiwi. After all, there’s ice hockey, Canadian football, lacrosse, baseball and so many other sports that aren’t popular back home to enjoy. This was certainly my attitude when I recieved free tickets to my first game on James Street in Hamilton, Ontario. After attending several games now, I can share with you that this is in fact a competition worth watching, and will give those missing their A League fix a great opportunity to watch football at a better price than Major League Soccer or the International game.

Ottawa’s supporters ahead of last year’s final – CPL

While football might not be on every New Zealanders radar. Admittedly, it’s been almost three years since I’ve supported my local team, the Wellington Phoenix, back when Eden Park and Auckland were considered a second home base, it’s currently incredibly topical, particularly for those of us in North America.

New Zealand football touched down in Toronto in June last year for the Canadian Shield Tournament, bringing countries together from four different continents, the All Whites found themseves underdogs against African and European heavy hitters Côte d’Ivoire and Ukraine. In a shock turn of events, the Kiwis toppled the at the time reigning African champions, finishing the tournament in second place after a narrow loss to Ukraine. It was a phenominal spectacle

Combined with the impending World Cup which will see the All Whites play two of their pool matches in Vancouver, Canada, against Belgium and Egypt, and further matches south of the border such as their pool match against Iran and warm-up against the formiddable English, the number of North American has dominated the mind of New Zealand sports fans living in this part of the world all year.

While the All Blacks taking on the Springboks in Baltimore, Maryland will be a battle for the ages, Sail GP coming to Halifax, Nova Scotia and the Sevens getting tournaments in Vancouver, BC and New York (Actually, New Jersey!) are all incredibly exciting, this year is certainly the year of football, soccer, whatever you’d like to call it. But with the first matches not until June, where can you get your fix in the meantime? The answer is the CPL.

What is the Canadian Premier League?

The Canadian Premier League (CPL) is the second flight of Canadian football, and the largest competition solely played in Canada. It sits behind only Canada’s three Major League Soccer (MLS) teams based in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Major League Soccer is likely more well-known to those from outside of Canada, and has fielded some exciting results in recent history, such as Toronto FC’s record-setting championship season in 2017, and just as of last year, the Vancouver Whitecaps made the final.

While the MLS is an exciting competition, the CPL is a suprising dark horse that can often be seen as a feeder for these three clubs, but in reality, is so much more. The CPL consists of eight clubs spread all accross Canada, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Most kiwis are lucky to be concentrated in British Columbia and Ontario, the only provinces with multiple teams. BC field teams in Vancouver, and Victoria on Vancouver Island, meanwhile there is a team to watch in Ontario if you live in or nearby Hamilton, Ottawa, or last but certainly not least, Toronto.

Toronto versus Hamilton is one of the many rivalries of the league – Michael Chisholm/Canadian Premier League

So what makes this league worth a watch? Aside from the typically far cheaper tickets (Although certain teams with strong followings such as the Halifax Wanderers and Forge FC are slightly more expensive), it’s often just great football to watch, and there will be a team that you can get behind with a style that resonates with you. The previously mentioned Forge FC of Hamilton, alongside Calgary’s Cavalry and Ottawa’s Atlético are certainly reminiscent in terms of their organisation to that of your favourite Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix. These clubs were the top three performers in 2025 by a country mile. If you’re more into scrappy, shin bruising, Fielding High School Second XI type of football, then one of the ragtag groups from Inter Toronto FC or Pacific FC might be your team to get behind.

This is however, the biggest drawback to the competition at present. In seven seasons thus far, the Hamilton’s Forge FC has dominated with four championships and three regular season wins. Who’s right behind them? Cavalry and Atlético. It’s a story we’ve heard before in football competitions around the world, such as the Scottish Premiership giving us what feels like half a century of Glaswegian dominance, with Celtic and Rangers passing titles to eachother like it’s a tennis match. With only in 2026, Edinburgh’s Hearts are looking like the first team in decades to challenge that duopoly. The difference between the Canadians and the Scots? There is distinct heritage, investment and cult followings behind each and every one of them. It’s not to say that football clubs in the home islands don’t run into financial trouble, or even go into slumps that their supporters rue the day they reminisce, but more often than not, they bounce back.

Just like many other fledling North American sports leagues in the last decade, the Canadian Premier League, founded in 2019, has already seen several clubs change hands, fold and be reborn, or just cease to exist permanently. Out of all the clubs present in the 2026 season I can safely say only half are likley to be secure in their future as a football franchise in Canada, even last year, due to low attendance and interest, Winnipeg concluded the season for the last time, denying the league an opportunity to have a record eight teams with the introduction of Montreal’s FC Supra du Québec. It’s worth noting that fan speculation on the internet rarely had Winnipeg in mind for a potential team to fold in 2025, with the West Coast teams in particular possibly on the chopping block in the future, if you ask a typical Instagram or Reddit commenter.

In amongst all these trials and tribulations though, you get some brilliant football, and for the first time ever, the Canadian Premier League rocked global headlines with their final last year.

The 2025 CPL Final: Cavalry FC v Atlético Ottawa

Snow kept the battle close-quarters – David Chant / Cavalry FC

The 2025 season finished in what some might call a typical fashion for the league. Hamilton’s Forge FC won the regular season title, sitting in a comfortable first, and comfortable favourites. Then the unexpected happened, Ottawa, then Calgary, both travelled to the Hammer and won difficult away games to knock out the title favourites and set the stage for the Ottawa to host the CPL final for the second time in their clubs short history.

Atlético Ottawa, founded by Atlético Madrid in 2020, had the homefield advantage, and the advantage of being able to draw players from Madrid’s network of clubs they own around the world, Auckland FC getting a leg up thanks to Bournemouth, if you will. The Team also featured 29 year old New Zealander Monty Patterson, who after a couple seasons with amateaur and semi-professional teams back home, found himself in Ottawa for the 2025 season.

Cavalry FC, one of the founding clubs of the CPL, also looked on-form and had won the previous year in another upset win over the Forge FC. While certainly not favourites in the matchup, with a previous win and two regular season titles under their belt, the Cavalry had the accolades to suggest there would certainly be fight in them. Invercargill born midfielder Jay Herdman is the closest a New Zealander got to Cavalry’s finals squad, unfortunately placed on loan to Vancouver FC toward the end of the season.

Thirteen thousand fans entered Ottawa’s TD Place, just narrowly falling short of the finals attendance record the city had previously set a few years prior, warm jackets, toques and gloves covering the jerseys of supporters. It’s worth noting that many of these fans would have been learning that they even had a CPL team for the first time! Probably a better watch than Ottawa’s capitulation to Toronto in the Stanely Cup playoffs that year.

Too cold for supporters jerseys – David Chant / Cavalry FC

Prepare for some deja vu, and some brain freeze. Snowy conditions meant that there was a potential need to postpone the game, but as with a certain final in 2006, two decades on, they decided to press on. Even as the teams exited the tunnels, the football field was covered in a white blanket of snow.

The game kicked off with some real tenacity from both sides, but whether it was the subzero temperatures, the snow on the field, the stop-start nature of the game as they cleared the field, or the crowd presence, the errors kept building up. It’s hard to say who was in control. Ottawa looked particularly strong on the attack, with Mexican-born David Rodríguez shooting on target and exploiting Cavalry FC’s errors, but David, alongside the rest of Ottawa’s attack, couldn’t connect the ball in the net, the snow clearly adding drag to their boots and the ball, sending it in all sorts of directions.

What Cavalry FC lacked in star power and an ability to capitalise on errors, they made up for with a burning desire to maintain possession at all costs, sacraficing field position to hold on to the ball occasionally. Their greed did in fact, eventually work in their favour. Cavalry’s Fraser Aird struck a penalty in the box which was by no means glamorous, but might go down in history as one of the worst keeper efforts by Ottawa’s captain and keeper, Nathan Ingham. The ball thumped and barged along the snow at a snails pace, like an Antarctic icebreaker, or one of those underarm bowls you do for your youngest nephew in backyard cricket, yet Cavalry FC now held the advantage.

After Cavalry celebrations finished up, in amongst a hail of snowballs from the upset crowd, play was resumed and a fire was lit in both teams. Ottawa’s David Rodríguez, several attempts later, finally had fortune favour him in the antithesis to Aird’s penalty, sent an extrodinary bicycle kick into Cavalry’s net off a disorganised corner that was so magnificent, it has rightfully earned it’s title of the “icicle kick” around the world and is possibly the greatest goal ever scored in the Canadian Premier League.

David Rodriguez earns an incredibly unique celebrations – Tim Austen / CPL

While filed with elation, the snow kept Ottawa or Calgary from capitalising on thier respective goals. The Snow maintained it’s authority on the field for the remainder of the half, and well into the second half. Toward the end of the second, patches of green could finally be seen, and the pace properly picked up, not before the game could go into extra time.

This is when we could finally see the talents of the attack on full display, as the first one-hundred-and-fifty minutes of this three hour battle had been dominated by stalward defensive efforts from both sides, Ottawa’s Roni Mbomio, Noah Abatneh and Loïc Cloutier certainly standout players. But all glory to the plucky Mexican, on loan from another “Atlético” with the last laugh, chipping another beautifully controlled strike, with the only other in the game being his previous goal, straight over the keeper to seal the game for the home side. Ottawa were 2025 CPL champions.

Deserving WInners – Canadian Premier League
The Man of the Hour – Canadian Premier League


This game alone, makes this league worth watching. The weather a metaphor for the play that for five minutes might look like you’re watching Liverpool take on Chelsea, then the next twenty make you think the Chatham Islands might field a better team. It’s scrappy, it’s hard work, and my goodness it’s a beautiful game.

So, while we wait for the All Whites to arrive on Turtle Island, get out their and go support your local CPL team! You never know, you might get to see some absurdity from David Rodríguez if you’re lucky!

Current Clubs
Atlético Ottawa – Ottawa, Ontario
Cavalry FC – Calgary, Alberta
Forge FC – Hamilton, Ontario
Halifax Wanderers FC – Halifax, Nova Scotia
Inter Toronto FC – Toronto, Ontario
Pacific FC – Victoria, British Columbia
FC Supra du Québec – Montreal, Quebec
Vancouver FC – Vancouver, British Columbia

2025 CPL Finals Highlights

Article by Joseph Simpson, 12th April 2026
Want to know more? Reach out to Joseph via our Facebook and Instagram channels.

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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. 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 TV show 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.

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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:

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:

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.

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Behind the Scenes with the Brooklyn Nets

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.

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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.

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.

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All Blacks Overcome Ireland in Chicago Rematch

Kia Ora Canada hit the road from Toronto to Chicago for a blockbuster clash between the All Blacks and Ireland, arriving Friday morning to a city awash in Irish green, with only a scattering of black jerseys in sight.

It quickly became clear that New Zealand supporters would be outnumbered, as Chicago filled with local and travelling Irish fans. Even at the All Blacks’ own Adidas fan event-featuring Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, and Cam Roigard-the Q&A session was dominated by Irish voices, drawing laughter from players and fans alike in a lively, good-natured atmosphere.

Captain’s Run Sets the Scene

Later that afternoon, attention shifted to Soldier Field for the All Blacks’ captain’s run. The squad appeared relaxed and upbeat ahead of the much-anticipated “rematch,” eight years on from Ireland’s historic first win over New Zealand at the same venue.

Coach Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson cut a calm figure. In a lighter moment, when asked by Kia Ora Canada about the Toronto Blue Jays and whether they would wrap up the World Series that night, Razor quickly spotted the Kia Ora members Blue Jays hats and engaged in a chat about the team and star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Irish Dominance Early on Game Day

By Saturday morning, game day had arrived. While the Blue Jays had fallen short the night before, there was a sense that something special could be brewing in Chicago and hopefully Toronto.

A crowd of 61,841 packed into Soldier Field, with a sea of green dominating the stands. The atmosphere was electric, though briefly stunned early when Tadhg Beirne received a yellow card that was later upgraded to a red-amid confusion due to the lack of a replay on the big screen.

Despite being down a man, Ireland rallied impressively, heading into halftime with a 10-7 lead. With 20 minutes remaining, they still held a 13-7 advantage, and memories of the 2016 upset in Chicago began to resurface for New Zealand fans.

All Blacks Surge Late

However, the All Blacks found another gear in the final quarter.

Tries from Tamaiti Williams, Wallace Sititi, and Cam Roigard turned the match on its head, with another effort ruled out right on full time.

The late surge secured a hard-fought 26 – 13 victory and provided crucial momentum heading into their next test against Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium, as the All Blacks eye going 2/2 in the quest for a Grand Slam.

Looking Ahead

Overall, the match reflected two sides still finding rhythm after limited recent play, but delivered a contest for fans.

While the Irish crowd brought the energy, it wasn’t enough to carry their side to another famous win. Ireland will now return to Dublin to face Japan, before tougher tests against the Wallabies and Springboks.

For Kia Ora Canada, it was a memorable weekend on the road-proof once again of rugby’s global reach and the unmatched atmosphere of test match rugby.

P.S. Lets not talk about Blue Jays and game 7…

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All Whites Claim Win as Canada Lifts Canadian Shield in Toronto

The All Whites had a memorable tournament delivering a historic victory while hosts Canada ultimately claimed the Canadian Shield in front of passionate home support.

Kiwi Welcome in Toronto

The All Whites were warmly welcomed on arrival by Kia Ora Canada board member Dino Rosta and member Glenn Cruz, with a traditional haka performed for the squad. Head coach Darren Bazeley praised the moment, noting how special it is to see Kiwi support wherever the team travels.

Following the welcome, the squad quickly got to work with a training session-despite some players arriving directly from long-haul flights. With players based all over the world, assembling the squad remains a challenge, but it also reflects the team’s evolution into a fully professional international side.

Statement Win Over Côte d’Ivoire

Ahead of their opening match, Kia Ora Canada connected with supporters group The Flying Kiwis, building excitement for a rare opportunity to see the national team in action on Canadian soil.

The challenge was immediate, facing reigning African champions Côte d’Ivoire, whose fans turned out in force to create a vibrant atmosphere.

It was Elijah Just who delivered the decisive moment, scoring in the 41st minute to give New Zealand the lead. Under sustained pressure, the All Whites held firm to secure a famous victory-arguably their biggest result since the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Earlier in the day, Canada had impressed with a 4-2 win over Ukraine, with “The Voyageurs” bringing strong energy to BMO Field.

Tough Battle Against Ukraine

Heading into their second match, the All Whites remained in contention to win the tournament-despite not facing Canada due to the competition format.

Another pre-match meetup with The Flying Kiwis and Kia Ora Canada members set the tone before kickoff against Ukraine. After a tightly contested first half ended scoreless, Ukraine struck early in the second.

New Zealand responded quickly, with Marko Stamenić levelling the score shortly after the restart. However, Ukraine regained control, netting a decisive second goal in the 75th minute to seal the win.

Canada Takes the Title

The tournament concluded with Côte d’Ivoire beating Canada on penalties 5 – 4, however Canada still finished first to win the tournament and lift the Canadian Shield, capping off a strong showing on home soil.

For the All Whites, a second-place finish represents a highly encouraging outcome, highlighted by a landmark win and strong performances throughout the tournament.

Positive Signs Ahead of 2026

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just a year away, the All Whites’ showing in Toronto offers plenty of optimism. Competitive performances against high-quality opposition-and strong support from Kiwi fans abroad-underline the team’s growing confidence on the international stage.

For Kia Ora Canada, it was another proud moment witnessing New Zealand teams making their mark overseas, backed by a passionate community far from home.

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