Support for national ki o rahi tourney ‘a win-win’

Lytton 1's Tipene Clarke-Baines dives past Horouta Wananga teammates Matariki Gibson-Mahuika and Te Aomihia Pewhairangi. Ki o rahi is a fast-paced sport mixing the elements of such sports as rugby union, netball, touch and even Aussie Rules. Pictures by Liam Clayton

Tairawhiti ki o rahi athletes will showcase their skills on home soil this year when the region hosts the New Zealand Secondary School Ki o Rahi National Tournament this month.

To help make the event happen, the tournament organising committee received a $10,000 grant from Eastland Community Trust — nearly half of the running cost.

The champs will be held at the Gisborne Boys’ High School Rectory field on April 16-17.

Tairawhiti teams consistently feature at a national level.

The region has produced national champions in the past and hometown advantage will make this year’s event even more exciting, says organising committee member Nori Parata.

“Without the support of ECT, hosting would have been difficult. We are immensely appreciative of the investment and their confidence in our ability to hold an event at a national level.

“Ki o rahi is fiercely competitive and there will be some great games played.”

ECT chief executive Gavin Murphy said with upwards of 23 teams competing over two days, supporting the event was a “win-win”.

The New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships in March brought 1300 athletes and their support crews to Gisborne. Accommodation citywide was basically booked solid.

“In comparison, ki o rahi is growing steadily, with upwards of 1000 visitors — made up of athletes, coaches, whanau and friends — expected to attend the tournament.”

Mr Murphy said hosting national events also acted as a showcase of all Tairawhiti had on offer.

Competing teams from the region are Turanga Wahine Turanga Tane (Gisborne Boys’ High and Gisborne Girls’ High), Lytton High School, Horouta Wananga, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Nga Uri a Maui, TKKM o Kawakawa Mai Tawhiti, TKKM o Te Waiu and Tolaga Bay Area School and Kahukuranui.