The GLOBOX Arena in Hamilton hosts the New Zealand World Series tournament on August 4 and 5, with eight of the world's best darters taking on eight local darters.
Two qualifying tournaments were played last weekend. Herewini, a 2017 participant at the Auckland Darts Masters, defeated Milne 7-5 thanks to a 130 finish in the 12th leg in the final of the first qualifying tournament.
The second qualifying tournament was a triumph for Jonny Tata, who will make his television debut at the New Zealand Darts Masters. He defeated, among others, former World Darts Championship participant Bernie Smith on his way to the final. There he was too strong for Jonty Reede, 7-4.
The 23-year-old Milne also secured his spot in the entry field as the highest - not yet qualified - player on the DPA ranking. This is a ranking for darters in Australia. Also participating on behalf of the Oceanic representation are Damon Heta, Simon Whitlock, Ben Robb and Haupai Puha.
One more name will be added to that. That starting ticket will go to the highest ranked player on the DPA Order of Merit after the upcoming tournament weekend July 8 and 9.
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He contributes to DartsNews.com, where he covers professional darts through news, match reports, analysis, and live coverage across the PDC calendar and major tournaments.
A key part of his work is on-site reporting from leading events. Kieran has covered the PDC World Darts Championship in person, reporting daily from the venue and providing first-hand insight from the tournament. During his coverage, he has conducted interviews with leading players including Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price.
He is also one of the leading voices of the English-language Dartsnews Podcast, contributing regular analysis and discussion on developments across the professional darts circuit.
In his reporting, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles when new, verified information becomes available.
He’s back! ‘The Apocalypse’ Darren Herewini will return to the NZ Darts Masters stage for the first time since 2017 after beating Kayden Milne 7-5 in the first qualifying final. He hit a 130 finish to book his ticket to Hamilton. #Darts@OfficialPDC#NzDartsMasters