On Wednesday 13th September, 24 students set off for the annual Ki-O-Rahi tri-tournament held during te wiki o te reo Maori. This year it was Waiopehu College's turn to host the tournament.

Ki- O-Rahi is a traditional Maori game.  It is a large team game played between 2 teams, kioma and taniwha on a large circular field. It is played in  two halves of a set time, teams alternate roles of Kioma and Taniwha at half or quarter time.

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

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

The competition featured a junior and a senor team from Manawatu College, Waiopehu and Horowhenua College.  

Our junior team lost to Waiopehu first up, but beat Horowhenua College in their second game.  They then went through to the final against Waiopehu College, defeating them 27 - 22.

Our senior team beat both Waiopehu College and Horowhenua College in their heats and they then went through to the final, beating Waiopehu College, 23-15.

Check out the videos and pictures of the games below.