Ngāti Porou Basketballer Ihaka Cate Secures Full Scholarship to United States

Young basketball standout Ihaka Cate (Ngāti Porou) is set to take his talents to the United States after securing a full one-year scholarship to Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts. As reported by Te Ao Māori News on Thursday, 27 August 2026, the move represents a significant step in Cate’s ambition to compete at an elite level while pursuing a world-class education. Cate, a former Head Boy of Christ’s College, has had a rapid ascent in the sport since he began playing only five years ago. His journey has already included representing Canterbury and developing within the Canterbury Rams environment. Beyond his athletic prowess, Cate is a former winner of the Waitaha Ngā Manu Kōrero competition for the Korimako (Senior English) category, showcasing his leadership and oratorical skills. The young athlete views basketball as a vehicle for his wider academic goals, which include studying engineering or architecture at an Ivy League university. Cate told Te Ao Māori News that he intends to carry his culture with him, expressing a desire to show the world what being rangatahi Māori in sport is all about. He has already begun introducing teammates to te ao Māori during previous visits to the US. Reflecting on his progress, Cate credited his success to resilience, noting that he views failure as an essential tool for development rather than an obstacle. By sharing his story, he hopes to encourage other Māori youth to strive for their goals through adversity. While based in the United States, Cate will be joined by other Kiwi players already in the American system, providing a support network as he works toward his Ivy League aspirations.