National final thrill for Tūranga

Tūranga Wāhine Tūranga Tāne were the champions of the two-day Manarahi Kī-o-Rahi Kura Tuarua — The National Secondary Schools’ Kī-o-rahi Tournament at Watson Park in Gisborne. Pictures by Darryl Crawford

Local team Tūranga Wāhine Tūranga Tāne were the champions of the intense two-day Manarahi Kī-o-Rahi Kura Tuarua National Seconday Schools’ Kī-o-Rahi tournament.

The grand final was between two Tūranga teams — Te Kura o Manutūkē and Tūranga Wāhine Tūranga Tāne - Gisborne Girls’ High and Gisborne Boys’ High.

A total of 36 teams came from across the motu to Watson Park to compete.

Kī-o-rahi is a team game played between two sides, kioma and taniwha, on a large circular field.

It is played for four quarters or two halves, with teams alternating roles of kioma and taniwha at half or quartertime.

Local teams who competed were Ritana Lytton High, TKKM Ngā Uri a Māui, Tolaga Bay Area School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Waiū, TKKM o Kawakawa Mai Tawhiti, Te Kura o Manutūkē, Horouta Wānanga, Ngata Memorial College, and Tūranga Wāhine Tūranga Tāne.

Aio Hollis, a year 13 student at Manutūkē School, said the experience was cool especially having the tournament here in Gisborne.

“It was cool to see all the teams come to Gisborne. It also meant all our whānau could come watch and support everyone,” she said.

She was proud of her team especially because only a minimum number of players were available within her small kura.

“It was more talent than skill. All the kids who participated are quite talented in ki o rahi. They enjoyed it as well and had fun.”

She said making it to the finals was great and even though they lost to another local team, they were happy that Tūranga was still front and centre.

“The final day was pretty massive,” said Tūranga Wāhine Tūranga Tāne coach Rapiata Ria. “The teams who qualified for the finals day took their game play to another level.

“The vibe was one of the best I have seen and felt.”

Some of those who competed have been selected for the NZ Secondary Schools team. They are Whaiururangi Maxwell, Bailey Cameron and Missy Matahiki from Manutūkē School, Safin Tuwairua-Brown, Kahurangi Leach-Waihi, Quaydon Chaffey-Kora, Payton Wainohu and Bobbi Crawford from Tūranga Wāhine Tūranga Tāne.

Allies Rangihuna and Aio Hollis from Manutūkē School and Mere Mangu of Tūranga Wahine were selected for the Aotearoa Māori national team.

Bailey Cameron was named MVP male player and Payton Wainohu was named  MVP female player.

They will attend a sports camp later this year to train.

“It was an exceptional tournament with the best of the best from around the motu bringing the fire of their tīpuna. It was a great positive event,” Rapiata said.

She thanked Tūranga Health for their support and organisation of the event, along with Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti and the national ki-o-rahi committee.

“Without them the event wouldn’t have gone ahead. They were amazing. We need sponsors, so any support is always appreciated,” he said.

Videos and photos of the games are on the Manarahi Kī-o-Rahi Kura Tuarua 2024 Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.