The emphasis is on participation not competition.
Pā Wars organiser Leeanne Morice said it was an awesome day with a really great number of people showing up.
“There were easily around 4000 people at the event — it felt bigger than past years,” she said.
“When the team parade was happening, it was just so full, with all their flags and whānau representing their marae.”
She said this year it felt like more groups were put together to compete in nearly all the events. For example, there were 21 teams out of 22 in the netball event.
Many of the games of rugby 7s, Rippa rugby and kī-o-rahi were played on the main field in front of the marae gazebos so everybody had their chance in the spotlight.
“Everyone was really happy with the event and it being at Whakarua Park.”
Ohinewaiapu Marae from Rangitukia was one of the marae taking part.
Their men’s rugby sevens team, coordinated by siblings Zoey Henderson and Hoani Te Moana engaged in a thrilling quarterfinal match against champions Hinerupe, narrowly missing out on a spot in the semifinals by one converted try.
Despite this, they were thrilled to have achieved a commendable third place overall in the sevens competition.
Ohinewaiapu Marae Pā Wars coordinator Ario Rewi said, “For te whānau a Takimoana, a small seaside hapū tucked away in sunny Rangitukia, participating in Pa Wars on behalf of our marae and hapu is an honour that we cherish.
“Despite being small in size compared to other marae, we are big in heart and relish the opportunity to come together for a fun-packed day of whanaungatanga and activity,” she said.
Along with the events, there were kai vendors with plenty of sustenance for the crownds.
Leeanne Morice thanked all the whānau who came to compete, the roughly 100 volunteers who made the day go off without a hitch, and all the sponsors.
