Māori and Pasifika are overrepresented in drowning statistics across the motu, so a water polo competition at Baywave, Mount Maunganui, was born.

“We wanted to boost Māori and Pasifika’s swimming ability, and water polo was an easy way to do that,” spokesperson Wayne Rickit said.

The competition is in its second year, with more than 250 players taking part from across Aotearoa, Rickit said.

“Teams are mixed gender, and we have four grades: Tamariki, Rangatahi, Taitamariki and Pakeke and Taiohi.”

It will run over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with finals on the last day, Rickit said.

In the previous year, players had come from as far as Australia.

George Chambers, Ropata Veale and Kelly Sadler opened the competition. Photo / Tom Eley

Ropata Veale, Kelly Sadler and George Chambers opened the competition and gave a karakia and waiata.

The competition will run over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with finals on the last day. Photo / Tom Eley

Economics was the most significant barrier to Maori and Pasifika participation, as the costs could become prohibitively high, Rickit said.

“Whanau have to pay pool costs and water polo fees.

“It is a killer.”