The Big Hit - Hockey’s National ‘Have a Go’ Initiative

Written By Hannah Marshall

During March and April, The Big Hit is taking place in communities across the country. Our national have‑a‑go initiative is a series of local events designed to open the game up, lower the barriers and invite anyone and everyone to pick up a stick and give hockey a crack.

Hockey is for everyone, and it’s played everywhere. Whether you’re young or old, thinking about trying but not sure, or keen to be involved as a player, coach or umpire, there’s a place for you in our game.

Sessions taking place will involve:

• Inclusive drills and simple skills anyone can join in on

• Games for all ages — tamariki, rangatahi and adults

• Family‑friendly, relaxed, no experience needed

• Run by local associations, shaped by their communities

Where and when can you get involved?

  • Monday 2 March – Otumoetai Primary (Tauranga)

  • Tuesday 3 March – Otumoetai Primary (Tauranga)

  • Wednesday 4 March – Neil Hunt Park (Bay of Plenty) | 9:30am–12:30pm

  • Friday 6 March – Taupō Primary | Years 0–3 (x7 classes)

  • Friday 6 March – Omokoroa Point (Tauranga)

  • Saturday 7 March – Wellington Hockey | 8:00–9:30am

  • Monday 9 March – Omokoroa Point (Tauranga)

  • Tuesday 10 March – Te Akau ki Papamoa (Tauranga)

  • Tuesday 10 March – Waikato Hockey (Putāruru) | 3:30–6:00pm

  • Wednesday 11 March – Te Akau ki Papamoa / Matapihi (Tauranga)

  • Thursday 12 March – Kawaha Point School (Bay of Plenty) | 9:30am–12:30pm

  • Thursday 12 March – Kāti Kāti Primary (Tauranga)

  • Friday 13 March – Marotiri School | Years 1–8 (x7 classes)

  • Sunday 15 March – Taranaki Hockey (New Plymouth) | 9:00am–12:00pm

  • Monday 16 March – Te Puke Primary (Tauranga)

  • Tuesday 17 March – Selwyn Ridge (Tauranga)

  • Wednesday 18 March – Selwyn Ridge / Te Kura o Manunui (Tauranga)

  • Thursday 19 March – Selwyn Ridge / Te Kura o Manunui (Tauranga)

  • Friday 20 March – Mountview School | Years 0–3

  • Friday 20 March – Murupara Domain (Bay of Plenty) | 10:00am–1:30pm

  • Saturday 21 March – Hawke’s Bay Hockey (Marine Parade, Napier) | 10:00–11:30am

  • Sunday 22 March – Canterbury Hockey (Nunweek Park) | 12:00pm

  • Monday 23 March – Omokoroa No.1 (Tauranga)

  • Tuesday 24 March – Omokoroa No.1 / Te Puke Primary (Tauranga)

  • Wednesday 25 March – Matua (Tauranga)

  • Friday 27 March – Home School | 9:00–10:00am

  • Friday 27 March – LTCS | 10:30am–12:30pm

  • Friday 27 March – Otago Hockey (McMillan Park & local hubs) | 4:00–6:00pm

  • Friday 27 March – North Harbour Hockey | 5:00–7:00pm

  • Saturday 28 March – Poverty Bay Hockey | Juniors 9:30am–12:30pm, Seniors 1:00–4:00pm

  • Sunday 29 March – Buller Hockey | 1:00–3:00pm

  • Monday 30 March – Kāti Kāti Primary (Tauranga)

  • Tuesday 31 March – Bethlehem School (AM) / Tauranga Primary (PM)

  • Wednesday 1 April – Reporoa Primary School (Bay of Plenty) | 10:00am–1:30pm

  • Wednesday 1 April – Bethlehem School (AM) / Tauranga Primary (PM)

  • Thursday 2 April – Wairakei School | 9:00am–1:00pm

  • Thursday 2 April – Tauranga Primary (PM)

Everyone who signs up and comes along will go in the draw for some great spot prizes, including 4 x $100 New Balance vouchers, plus giveaways from Kookaburra and Pure Nutrition.

To register, head to the link here.

For more info on your local Hit Out, reach out to your local association.

Come for a hit, a hang and see what hockey’s all about!

Hannah Marshall
Next

CoachMate is here!