The class learned a traditional Māori game - Ki O Rahi

We were lucky enough to have Greg Newton from WAVE come in and teach us a traditional Māori game called Ki O Rahi.

Ki O Rahi is a fast running contact sport, played on a circular field, involving handling and  passing of a "ki" (ball). Before the arrival of Europeans, Ki-o-Rahi was played by Māori throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand. Often different tribes would play different adaptations of the game.

The tākaro (game) is based on the Purakau (legend) of Rahitutakahina and the rescue of his wife Tiarakurapakewai.  It's a large team game played between 2 teams, kioma and taniwha on a large circular field. Played for 4 quarters or 2 halves of a set time, teams alternate roles of Kīoma and Taniwha at half or quarter time.

Kīoma score by touching Pou/s with the Kī (for potential points) then running the Kī through Te Roto and placing it down in Pawero to convert pou touches into points. Kīoma stop the other team, Taniwha.

Taniwha score by hitting the Tupu with the Kī. Kīoma will have Kaitiaki (guardians) around the Tupu to stop Taniwha from hitting the Tupu. Depending on which variation is being played, Taniwha must stop Kīoma from scoring by either touching, 2 handed touch, ripping the tag (attached to the players) or tackling them in the appropriate area.

This was  a very fast game with a lot of rules and the class picked it up really well. It was also a good opportunity to learn the whakapapa of the game and to practice Māori vocabulary (kupu).

"I liked it because we learned a traditional Māori game." (Te Koha and Tommy)

"It was good to learn the rules and a great experience." (Asha)

"It was challenging and it helped us to work as a team." (Becky)

"I liked the strategising and problem solving." (Alex)

"I liked the running and passing." (Kaleb and Shakita)

We would like to say a massive thanks to Julie and Whaea Lee for organising this and to Greg Newton for coming to the school and teaching us.