Tauihi Basketball League still investigating court surface that forced game postponement

How a basketball court became too unsafe to play on for some of the country's top players is still a mystery to officials.

Weeks after the game between the Northern Kahu and Tokomanawa Queens in west Auckland did not go ahead, the exact cause of the first postponement in the showpiece women's domestic league remains unclear.

Both the Rapid League and main game in Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa on 25 October at Trusts Arena could not be played due to what was described by the Kahu as issues at the venue.

A residue on the surface of the court left it slippery for the round five games.

The Queens said the decision to call off the games was made by both teams and the head referee on safety and athlete wellbeing grounds.

The visiting side said stadium staff and contractors made several attempts to fix the issue, but were unsuccessful.

Competition organisers have yet to determine how the court ended up in an unplayable condition.

"The league is continuing to work through the circumstances surrounding the postponement of the Kahu v Queens game, including the factors that contributed to the condition of the playing surface," the league said.

"That process remains ongoing, and we don't want to speculate on any findings before it is complete."

The Tauihi game has been rescheduled to 12 November at the other home court of the Kahu, Eventfinda Stadium on the North Shore. The Rapid League game will not be played.

Venue arrangements are managed by each of the competition's five clubs, subject to league approval.

In this case, the Auckland side's preferred venue was not available for the two dates that were scheduled at Trusts Arena this season.

By the round five game not going ahead as scheduled, basketball fans in Auckland were kept waiting to see New Zealand WNBA player Charlisse Leger-Walker play live.

Her WNBA teammate Hailey Van Lith has now left the winless Queens this week after playing just three games in New Zealand.

"Any situation that prevents a scheduled game from going ahead is disappointing for the players, teams, fans, sponsors, the league and everyone involved," the league said.

"Player safety must always come first, regardless of the teams or players involved.

"Postponing a game is an absolute last resort, and every effort is made to find a solution that allows games to proceed safely."

The league has not ruled out a return to Trusts Arena in future.

"Venue availability is a significant challenge, not just for the league but for basketball across New Zealand at all levels.

"With growing participation in the sport and considerable demand for indoor facilities, securing suitable venues can be difficult, particularly when balancing the requirements of professional competitions with existing community events, other sporting commitments and trade events.

"The league works closely with its clubs to navigate these challenges and ensure games are played in venues that meet the requirements of professional basketball."

Weather and court moisture has impacted the men's competition in recent years.

The fourth placed Kahu return to Eventfinda Stadium on Friday for their round seven game against the second placed Mainland Pouakai.