On Wednesday 12th September our Nga Toi, Whakairo and Te Reo classes travelled to Horowhenua College to take part in the Te Wiki o te Reo Maori Annual Tri-Series.

The tri-series has been in operation for three years, and is the initiative of HOF Maori Studies, Mr Glenn Mitchell to engage, celebrate and unite students from Manawatu, Waiopehu and Horowhenua College’s, through tikanga and Te Reo Maori, in a traditional Maori context during Te Wiki o te Reo Maori - Maori Language Week.

Manawatu College hosted the first series in 2016 with a Horohopu competition. Manawatu College were the senior champions and Waiopehu College took out the junior category. Last year, Waiopehu hosted the series and the three college’s faced each off in games of Ki o Rahi. Manawatu College won this series comprehensively, taking out both the senior and junior finals.

This year we were welcomed with a powhiri at Horowhenua College. The wero this year saw the College’s face each other in a Maori game called Kopou Ariki. In this game the aim is to hit the opposition players below the knee using maurakau. Players avoid being hit by the Toa and protect their Ariki, while targeting their opponents Ariki. Once the Ariki is hit, the game is over.

Manawatu College beat Horowhenua College in the senior finals and Waiopehu College beat Horowhenua College in the junior finals.

While the competition is fierce and all schools want to win, the onus is really on participating and celebrating being Maori. Next year, Manawatu College will be the hosts of the tri-series.