horowhenua-kāpiti

1875 Was When It All Began

Cricket in the Horowhenua Kapiti district can be traced back as far as January 22nd, 1875 where a maiden match between Otaki Star Cricket Club and Foxton Club took place in Otaki.

In this very first recorded game, the Foxtonites lost the toss and were sent in and produced a total of 46 for their first innings. The Otaki Stars didn’t fare much better being all out in quick time for 27. After a short break for refreshments, the Foxtonites with willow in hand ended with a score of 32, having made a grand total of 78 runs for both innings. It was noted that Matenga to Hiko the Otaki wicket-keeper fielded extremely well.

The Otakites now needed 57 runs to win, Captain Mr. Johnston and Mr. Ransfield opened the bat. A game-high of 29 from the Captain had the 57 runs knocked off in quick time with the loss of only four wickets.

An after-match included a dinner of potatoes and pippins and entertainment at host Prosser’s.

Recorded by the Wanganui Herald Volume VII, Issue 2372 Dated 30th January 1875

Horowhenua-Kapit Cricket Association

Built on the foundations of hard work, tenacity, and excellence, the Horowhenua-Kapiti Cricket Association (HKCA) was established in the 2000s to promote and provide cricket for all ages.

The region begins at Paekakariki and extends all the way up to Foxton, encompassing Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Otaki, Levin, and Shannon.

On a broader scale, Horowhenua-Kapiti is a part of Central Districts and plays in competitions involving the other districts that make up CD - Manawatu, Wanganui, Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Nelson, and Marlborough.

Basil Netten Facility

The Basil Netten Indoor Centre was built in 2014-15 to support and drive cricket within the Horowhenua-Kapiti region.

The project was an agreed partnership between the Levin Cricket Foundation, Levin Old Boys Cricket Club, Weraroa Cricket Club, and Horowhenua Kapiti Cricket. 

A huge amount of work went into raising the money for the build, planning with the council and in the community in general.

The Levin Cricket Foundation is tasked with the everyday running of the facility and hopes to have it operational before the summer to serve the Horowhenua Kapiti Cricket community.

See photos below of the construction underway.

Horowhewnua-Kapiti hall of fame