CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – Join us in welcoming back Hana Lacey-Rameka for her second season with the ProBuild ITM Mainland Pouākai!
Originally from Rotorua, Lacey-Rameka is a member of Lincoln University’s Women’s Premier Team, achieving Women’s Premier First Team and UTSNZ 5-on-5 First Team honours in 2025. She was also named the MVP of the U20 Nationals in 2024, leading Canterbury to a first-place finish.
“As a club we are always keeping an eye on local competitions, whether that’s club or high school, to find players who deserve an opportunity at the next level,” said Coach Alex Stojkovic. “Hana is a great example of that. She’s shown she can perform in this environment, and now we’re excited to see her take the next step with Pouākai.”
Following her first season with the Pouākai, Lacey-Rameka joined the Albury Wodonga Bandits of the NBL1 East for the Tauihi offseason. She logged 11 appearances for the Bandits, averaging 7.7 minutes per game.
“Playing in NBL1 was an enjoyable experience overall. Being introduced to the Australian style of basketball helped me to understand what areas of my game needed to develop, which allowed me to grow as a player,” said Lacey-Rameka.
“The fast pace and physicality of the league challenged me to raise my standard, and I feel that experience has prepared me well for the next stage of my journey. I’m really excited to be bringing what I’ve learned back home and to continue my development with the Pouākai this season.”
“This season, I’d like Hana to be one of the leaders within our Rapid League group,” stated Stojkovic. “She’s got the tools like athleticism, pace, and shot-making ability to play a key role there, and I also want to challenge her to push for minutes in Tauihi. That step will come with continued growth, but she’s already showing the potential to contribute at the next level.”
Reflecting on the past 12 months, Lacey-Rameka shared, “My season with the Pouākai last year was similar to playing NBL1. I got to see what it takes to compete at that level and that level of professionalism which was great for me coming out of age group basketball.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to watch Hana play for a well-coached Lincoln University team in the Women’s Premier Competition, and I’ve been really impressed by her game,” added Stojkovic. “She also helped guide her team to a third-place finish at the recent Tertiary National Tournament in Auckland, and she stood out with her athleticism and shooting ability.”
“I’m really excited to take what I’ve learnt from my first season with the Pouākai and my NBL1 experience into this upcoming season,” said Lacey-Rameka. “In terms of my own game, I want to keep building on my shooting, aggressive defence, and running the floor at pace.”
“Playing under Alex will be a huge opportunity for me — his coaching style is very clear in what he wants and the style of play he demands, and playing alongside high level athletes will only add to my development as a player. I’m really looking forward to being part of the team and can’t wait for the season to start!”
Pouākai season memberships are available now! Fly Fearless with us in 2025 as we chase our first-ever Tauihi championship! Individual game tickets are also available for purchase—join us for our season opener against the Southern Hoiho on September 26th.
2025 ProBuild ITM Mainland Pouākai: Charlotte Whittaker, Taylor Mikesell, McKenna Dale, Abigail Fogg, Marena Whittle, Morgan Yaeger, Leilani Correa, Kavanah Lene, Esra McGoldrick, Emma Rogers, Hana Lacey-Rameka.
