Nau mai!
Welcome to NUI RKW
We provide programmes that develop skills, confidence and connection.
NUI RKW was established in 2023 as a whānau-led pākihi, strengthening softball pathways across Aotearoa.
Guided by our values, we support whānau, tamariki and rangatahi to build skills and confidence, while also growing the capability of mokopuna, rangatahi, kaiako, whānau and communities.
Our Services
Our Professional Learning Network works alongside kaiako across all early learning service types and kaupapa to strengthen understanding, grow knowledge, and support meaningful practice across a range of kaupapa.
Professional Learning Network
PUMAS Softball Academy delivers inclusive, fundamentals-based softball skills sessions that engage schools and communities to build confidence, develop players, and increase participation in the game.
PUMAS Softball Academy
“A great course, gave me an opportunity to look at myself and see where I sit in the realm of things as a leader. Aspiring to inspire intrigues me, and I enjoyed listening to everyone’s story of where their instincts as leaders came from.”
— Kaiako who attended Māori leadership wānanga What People Are Saying
“A great start to rebuilding some softball action in Napier.
There are plenty of talented and keen kids around and it would be cool to see softball as an option in more schools. I reckon softball as a game really suits lots of the kids expecially in and around our kura.”
— Kaiako from Henry Hill school Did you receive feedback from whānau?
“One dad said that he was impressed with his son’s skills that he didn’t know he had. Two mums commented how it was great to see their tamariki out doing something, not on their games”
— Kaiako
What were some of the highlights of the day for your kura?
“All of us playing and having fun together. Getting more confident at playing softball. Learning as we played. Catching and getting people out. Getting to play in a tournament.”
— From the tamariki of Tamatea Primary School How will this wānanga influence your practice?
“It has given me a different insight on how to play for next year… and how to be more inclusive of our tamariki āwhioranga…and some awesome tricks.”
— Kaiako who attended mokopuna awhiorangi wānanga“The workshops helped us connect deeply with Cook Island values and Te Ao Māori. It made everything more meaningful and helped us align our teaching with who we are. The interactive, cultural approach really worked, and continuing to share ideas and plan together would help us keep it going”
— Kaiako Early Learning