Kuia, koroheke join a contest of the ages

I had the pleasure of attending an event last week, organised by Whakapai Hauora Charitable Trust in Palmerston North, the Kaumatua Hakinakina Olympics. It was such a wonderful occasion to see our kuia and koroheke from across the country come together in the masses to participate in a sporting event.

It was timely that this event was held in the same week as Anzac Day, where we remembered the soldiers who were lost at war, and those that came home. We remembered our friends and whanaunga and how they participated in the war effort here and abroad.

It was a fun-filled event, but it was also one of those moments where you have to stop and reflect on how special this occasion is, and what it means to be part of our generation.

I looked around and saw kaumatua from across the country, some aged in their 80s and 90s, who had all turned out to take part in different physical activities, to compete, and to come together in the spirit of whakawhanaungatanga.

What really gave me heart was to see all the kaumatua from Ratana Pa, dressed in blue, out there in force, ready to participate. It was an awesome sight to see almost every kaumatua from the pa present at this Olympics, representing their community. I was so happy to see them, and what I took from their presence was a challenge to us from Whanganui and Nga Rauru to get our butts into gear and participate next year.

The other thing I thought about, having all our kaumatua gathered in the room, is how we are ageing. We are all getting older. To see us gathered together does make you reflect and remember, over the span of a lifetime, all the people we have met, all the friends and whanau we have, and also all of those we have lost over the years.

It is also really wonderful to know that our population as a whole is living longer, and that we are seeing more significant numbers in the older age groups. In previous years, too many of our people died far too young, and it is a testimony to our current generation that we are now living well into our 70s, 80s and even 90s.

The room, which was filled with joy, singing and fun, was also a timely reminder that we need to prepare the next generation for the challenges that we continue to face as Maori. It was a reminder that no matter what age you are, you can participate in Whanau Ora, and still lead the way for your whanau to come through.

I had such a wonderful time, and the challenge now, for me and for my whanaunga, is to get our gym gear ready and start training for next year's event.