Kī-o-Rahi kicks off at Queen Elizabeth II Reserve

Last week, about 200 rangatahi from secondary schools across Te Tauihu met at QEII reserve for the Tasman Secondary School Kī-o-Rahi tournament.

Hosted by Whakatū Marae, the tournament brought together schools as far away as Collingwood and Murchison for a day of matches to celebrate the recent installation of a permanent carved tupu at the reserve.

Kī-o-Rahi is an increasingly popular fast-moving team game played in a circular field with a kī (ball), seven pou (poles), and a tupu (central target).

With a large focus on Te Ao Māori, Kī-o-Rahi enables players to develop a connection with Māori culture, language, and identity. The sport is now gaining international popularity and is being played in Australia, France, and
the United States.

For those interested in learning how to play, Whakatū Marae is hosting free Kī-o-Rahi games at Victory Park at 3:30 pm every Wednesday during summer. All ages are welcome. Please bring a drink bottle and hat.

Visit the Whakatū Marae website for more details and to see other events that are on: whakatumarae.co.nz/panui-news