In a repeat of last year, the Whanganui team floundered in the final at the National Ki O Rahi Nonoke Championships in Turangi on Saturday, losing to Te Arawa.
Ki o rahi is a fast-paced traditional Maori sport incorporating skills similar to rugby union, netball and touch rugby.
Two teams of 7 to 10 players face off on a circular field divided into zones, and score by touching the pou (boundary markers) and hitting a central tupu or target.
Last year Whanganui iwi sent a team to the nationals in Turangi for the first time, but a mix of youth and inexperience cost them the final.
Team captain Mike Lama said while his side were keen to reverse last year's result and lift the 2012 national title on Saturday, they had again met a stronger side on the day.