22 February 2025

Fresh through the Fly Palmy arrivals gate, we're pumped to welcome Tautoko Wynyard to the Property Brokers Jets for '25!

Wynyard, a 6'11 forward/centre with an impressive 7'3 wingspan, is an NZ native from Auckland and is no stranger to NZ hoops, having played in the NZNBL previously with the Tuatara and the Rams. Coach Webster had this to say about securing Wynyard on the roster for this season.

"Tautoko is a young 6'11 diamond in the rough. He can score well close to the basket and rebound effectively. He has good footwork in the low post, and I am very excited about this young man's future in the game".

Tautoko began his basketball career at Rangitoto High School in 2019. He was a solid scorer on the court with great physical tools, which saw him added to the roster as a development player for the local NBL team, Auckland Tuatara, in 2022.

The Canterbury Rams also had their eye on Wynyard and signed Tautoko in 2023. Playing under current Tall Blacks coach Judd Flavell, with his older brother Tai Wynyard by his side during this season, saw Tautoko come into his own and thrive on the court. He then headed offshore to the States after being selected to play in the USA for a high school season at the prestigious Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. During the 2024-25 season, Tautoko had his first taste of college hoops, playing for North Idaho College. He is excited to return to Aotearoa for another crack at the NZNBL this season and take flight with The Jets in what is set to be a stacked season!

"After a couple of years away, I can't wait to be back on Kiwi soil and join The Jets roster under coach Webster and alongside some talented hoopers. I've heard it goes off in The Hangar during home games, so can't wait to meet the fans and get involved in the Palmy community," says Wynyard.

We're excited to be the next stop in Tautoko's professional career and can't wait for him to touchdown in Palmy soon and display that impressive wingspan in The Hangar!

Free agency for the 2025 Sal's NBL season is currently in play, and as we lock in our roster for 2025, we have some exciting announcements to come. Keep up to date with all the latest Jets news by following us on our socials @jetsbasketballnz on Instagram, Facebook, and X.  

About Property Brokers Jets:

At the heart of Jets Basketball is community. As one of the eight founding teams of the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1982, the Jets have proudly represented the Manawatū region. Over the years, the team has reached two NBL finals, in 1992 and 2020. Originally known as the Palmerston North Jets, the team expanded its regional focus and rebranded to the Manawatū Jets in 2002. Despite a brief hiatus in 2015, the Jets made a successful return to the league in 2018, reigniting their commitment to the sport and the community.

Today, the Jets’ vision extends beyond the court. It's about fostering a love for basketball and providing opportunities for kids across Manawatū. Whether they're playing in schoolyards, local playgrounds, or competitions at the Arena, our mission is to open doors for every child who dreams of reaching the highest level of the sport. At the Property Brokers Jets, we’re not just building a team; we’re building a future for the next generation of basketball players.