CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – To tip off 2025 Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa free agency, we’re excited to welcome Charlotte Whittaker to the ProBuild ITM Mainland Pouākai!
Whittaker – a 6’3” forward and alumnus of St. Andrew’s College – most recently played professionally in France for Toulouse Métropole Basket, winning the 2025 LF2 championship.
“[Returning to New Zealand]… was both a personal and professional decision for me,” said Whittaker on signing with the Pouākai. “I’m at a point in my career where I want to keep developing as a player, and I saw this as a great opportunity to do that while being close to home.”
“Christchurch is where it all started for me, so getting the chance to represent my hometown at the professional level means a lot. But it’s also about giving back to the game, to the community, and to the younger players coming through. I want to be part of something bigger than myself – to compete, to grow, and to contribute to the growth of basketball in New Zealand. There’s something special about putting on a jersey that represents where you’re from – it’s personal.”
Following a successful junior career, which saw her star for the Junior Tall Ferns, Whittaker was recruited to the University of Colorado, reaching the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament in her senior season and playing 114 Division I games.
“Charlotte will play a key role in the frontcourt,” Pouākai Head Coach Alex Stojkovic said. “She’s a true five who gives us a strong interior presence, can control the boards, and provide physicality around the rim. Beyond that, her leadership and character will help shape the culture we’re building within this team.”
Whittaker began her post-collegiate career in the Australian NBL1 North with the SW Metro Pirates, averaging 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over 9 games. Now, after a couple seasons worth of overseas experience, Whittaker is set to make her Tauihi debut in her home city.
“Playing professionally in France taught me a lot – both on and off the court. The two main things were resilience and adaptability,” said Whittaker on her first European stint.
“The style of play in France is very tactical, structured and physical, so adapting quickly – to different cultures, systems, and expectations was important… Winning a championship there showed me the value of consistency, preparation, and trusting the process. You’re not always going to get rewarded for your commitment and hard work so you have to be willing to show up and compete regardless.”
Whittaker made her Tall Ferns debut in 2024 at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament, notably suiting up alongside her younger sister Lauren Whittaker, a former Pouākai development player.
“Charlotte is exactly the type of player we want representing the Pouākai – a Tall Fern, born and raised in Canterbury, who believes in the project we’re building here,” stated Coach Stojkovic. “On the court, she brings experience, toughness, and a relentless motor on the glass. Her presence will help set the tone for how we want to compete every night.”
Having had a taste of winning it all in the French LF2, Whittaker returns home with a similar goal in mind.
“One of my biggest goals is to help Mainland Pouakai win its first Tauihi league championship,” she said. “I also want to continue to develop my range, not just in terms of skills, but leadership. I think culture plays a huge role in the success of a team, and contributing to this in a positive way is something that is always important to me.”
“Another personal goal for me is to re-engage with my local community, and give back – whether that’s through mentoring young players, helping with the delivery of programmes, or just showing up in ways that matter – whatever is needed. It’s about making an impact while finding those close connections again – both on and off the court.”
As we steer closer towards the beginning of the 2025 Tauihi season, Coach Stojkovic encourages Pouākai fans to stay tuned for more exciting announcements.
“We’ve nearly completed our roster and are really excited about the group we’ve put together,” he said. “We’ve secured some exciting imports as well as a couple more Tall Ferns, and we look forward to announcing those signings in the coming weeks.”
“There’s a real sense of momentum building here – both on and off the court. It’s an exciting time for the Pouākai and for basketball in Christchurch – watch this space.”
