During the school holidays, Okaihau College and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Kaikohe (TKKM o Kaikohe), represented Taitokerau at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Ki o Rahi Nationals in Hastings. Both schools played the crème de la crème of Ki o Rahi, displaying focus and natural talent as well as massive increases in their skill level and game sense over the tournament.  

Okaihau College won five of their seven games and also had further success as Alyssa Williams was selected for the NZ Secondary Schools team and Jayden Edmonds for the NZ  Māori team. Such a fitting reward for a community who by all reports has supported their team with fundraising, sponsorship and baking.

It was evident that the students were impressed and inspired with the skill level of their peers , especially in the final between Nga Tapuwae and Rakaumangamanga who went on to take the title. It is therefore important to acknowledge that both TKKM o Kaikohe and Okaihau had wonderful tautoko from teachers and whānau at the event with Tumanako Pawa as the coach for TKKM o Kaikohe and KC Maaka coaching Okaihau.  These supporters enabled the students to attend the tournament and have such a rewarding exposure to Ki o Rahi at that level. Importantly, all students represented themselves, their kura, and their whānau well on and off the field. A true pleasure to witness amongst our rangatira of the future.

It is also exciting to announce that Taitokerau will host the 2020 New Zealand Secondary Schools Ki o Rahi Nationals. This is an honour and an exciting opportunity, with huge potential for our Taitokerau whānau to be involved. It will also be an opportunity for our manuhiri from around the motu to experience Taitokerau and how we treasure taonga taakaro. Watch this space.

Article added: Wednesday 01 May 2019