Five Kura recently participated in the first Rua Pa Ball (2 Touch) Tournament hosted at Rawene School. Te Kura o Rawene, Omanaia and Waima took part in the days activities alongside Kaikohe Intermediate and Te Kura o Tautoro.

Organised by Patu Hokianga Facilitator Dena-Maree Hemara and supported by Joe Henare (Patu Kaikohe), the day started off with normal proceedings including Karakia and Mihimihi before all Kura warmed up together as a whole and the first days games began. 

The three Hokianga Kura have engaged in fitness activities and learnt Rua Pa as part of an overall programme by Patu.  Rua po is a ball game with 2 opposing teams. The attacking team is allowed to pass the ball in all directions while trying to maintain possession and score a try. The game is fast and active with the attacking team only given two touches to score a try or they must hand over possession.

The day was well supported by school staff and whanau from the various Kura who all commented on how fast the games were and that they hope to see more opportunities for students to take part in a game that requires very little equipment. Planning will take place in 2018 with coordinators of Patu Hokianga and those schools that have received sessions to add this to their 2018 Sports Calendar.

In addition to the above, school teachers are leading the activities that the students have learnt and have incorporated the activities into their own fitness planning and delivery across the year levels. The students have found the sessions to be fun and active with no time to rest as they take to the new opportunities with lots of energy. Teachers have also used the activities in their own after-school group fitness sessions as they noted how much of a workout you get playing the game. Community and school whanau from Rawene are also discussing as a follow on, how to develop permanent Patu group sessions in Rawene.

Energize kaimahi, Joel Quitta-Moses says “lots of credit to Dena-Maree, she took time to expand her Hokianga Programme into schools and organise something fun for the area. She started with three Kura and now I’m sure the aim is to work with more Hokianga Kura to grow and capitalise on a new opportunity for the area”.

For information about the day feel free to contact Joel Quitta-Moses at joelq@sportnorth.co.nz or on 027 20 25 882