Whai Basketball

🖊️ SIGNED | MAYA TAINGAHUE

Maya is a dynamic New Zealand combo guard who has risen through the ranks to represent the U23 National 3x3 team internationally and play professionally in Tauihi Basketball with us in 2024.

✅ Dynamic scorer
✅ High energy defensive intensity
✅ Elite basketball IQ

🗣️ Head Coach Tane Bennett
"We believe that Maya has always possessed the physical tools to compete at this level. She has worked hard on her skill set in the last 2 years and I can sense her enthusiasm to make an impact in our new squad."

🗣️ Maya
As a local player, I chose Whai as I really connect with the team’s values. After coming back from a major injury, I’m excited to be back on the court, keep developing my game, and work towards another chip this upcoming season!

🩷 Welcome back to the Whai Family Maya 🩷

🖊️ SIGNED | EVA LANGTON

Eva achieved a major career milestone by winning a bronze medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with the New Zealand 3x3 team.
We can't wait to see her bring that skillset to Whai!

✅ High game energy player
✅ Strong defensive game
✅ High basketball IQ

🗣️ Head Coach Tane Bennett
"Eva played an impactful role in our 2024 Championship run. Her floor spacing and defensive length make her an asset to any team. Having worked alongside Eva in past seasons, I know that she will bring an edge to this years squad."

🗣️ Eva
I’m super excited to be back with Whai this season and to be able to reconnect with a community that Whai has been building over the past 4 years. I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get to Tauranga and start working for another great season!

🩷 Welcome back into the Whai Family Eva 🩷

🖊️ RE-SIGNED | CHARIS BROUGHTON

Mount Maunganui local Charis recently represented New Zealand at the 2026 FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Czechia. She played a vital role in helping the team secure a historic 5th-place finish.
She back with us for 2026 to bring that special on court magic!

✅ Long ranger sharp shooter
✅ Brings solid defence
✅ Knows how to win games

🗣️ Head Coach Tane Bennett
"Charis has one of the best perimeter shooting games in age group basketball. This was on full display at the most recent u17 FIBA World Cup. She had some great moments in her debut season last year and I believe that she is ready to take a step forward in 2026."

🗣️ Charis
I am very blessed to have this opportunity, and very excited for the upcoming season. Can’t wait to learn and grow not only as a player, but a person in a professional environment.

🩷 So blessed to have you back with us Charis 🩷

🖊️ RE-SIGNED | SHAMAR BROUGHTON

Mount Maunganui local Shamar is widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in New Zealand women's basketball. We're so happy to have her back with us for a second season!

✅ High level playmaker
✅ Big game energy
✅ Remarkable court awareness

🗣️ Head Coach Tane Bennett
"Shamar has an elite ability to put the ball on the floor and create advantage for others. Her PG leadership and decision making continues to improve every year. I know she will be eager to show her development in her 2nd season in the league."

🗣️ Shamar
I am super looking forward to playing against great athletes whose skills, IQ, and athletic abilities are more experienced, where I have a space to learn from them and develop myself as a basketballer. Excited for the season to kick off and get into the professional environment:)

🩷 Welcome back Shamar we know you're going to bring it 🩷

🖊️ SIGNED | EMILEE TAHATA
Known as an elite basketball forward, celebrated for her exceptional versatility, court awareness, and high-level defense she is going to be a huge asset to Whai!

✅ Exceptional Versatility
✅ High-level Defense
✅ Playmaking and Distributing

🗣️ Head Coach Tane Bennett
"Emilee adds depth to our 2026 forward line up. Her versatility and athleticism connects well with our play style. Her enthusiasm and energy will be add a unique element to the culture that we have built."

🗣️ Emilee
Coming home to New Zealand to continue my career means a lot to me, and Whai felt like the right fit from the moment I spoke with Tane. The culture, the people, and the opportunity to keep growing as a player really stood out. I’m excited to learn from an amazing group, compete every day, and do whatever I can to help the team chase another championship.

🩷 Blessed you have you in Whai Family Emilee 🩷

.tahata