Last weekend two King's seniors, Maddix Herbison-Ropata and Dylan Turnock attended and gained pou tahi (first level) in Te Whare Tū Taua, the Māori weaponry school. 

This year Ōtepoti hosted a grading which included over 50 participants. The only pou waru in the South Island, Aaron Hapuku flew in to run the programme at Araiteuru Marae.

All graders started their grading on Friday night, being put through their paces and ensuring that all of their footwork, taiaha movements, strikes and blocks were accurate. Once a high level of proficiency was attained, the graders got a short rest before the official grading started on Saturday morning.

Maddix and Dylan were both pushed well beyond their comfort zones and after four hours of grading, they passed and were sent on their run. 

These are the first students from King's to continue training taiaha after starting at Year 10 Camp, to attain the level of tauira, pou tahi. Nau mai ki te karapu tama toa. 

Welcome to the club guys.