Family rivalry all part of the fun at games (+pics&video)

The Pou-Paikea whanau has been taking part in the Te Arawa Games since it started 23 years ago.

This year was no different with five generations taking part in different activities over the three-day event.

Rapu Pou, representing Ngati Kea Ngatituara, said it was the norm to see the whole family get involved.

"We've been doing this pretty much since it started. It started with my parents and aunties and uncles and just continued to grow from there.

"Not everyone could make it for the whole weekend so we had some of the family competing on Saturday and the rest on Sunday.

Image 1 of 23: Kaumatua Steven Clarke opens the games.

"The games are a great way to see everyone together and spend that time celebrating our hapu and being Te Arawa."

This year's event saw a mix of traditional Maori and Tahitian games, as well as mainstream sports.

Activities included netball, touch, table tennis, golf, waka ama, ki o rahi, kuru tao (spear throw), amora'a o'fai (rock lift) and maiho'a ra'au (weighted run).

Mr Pou said he was grateful his parents saw the value of taking part in the annual get-together.

"It was great taking part when my sister and I were younger and now our kids and their kids are also being brought up in the tradition.

"I hope the tradition continues because it is awesome seeing the younger generation connect with their whanau and iwi."

Mr Pou is married to Erin Thompson-Pou of Ngati Rangiwewehi. He said there was a friendly family rivalry every year that saw their children's loyalties split.

"One will go with me and the other will go with her Mum so it's always split in our household but that makes it even more fun."

Ngati Kea Ngatituara were named the overall winners at the prizegiving on Sunday afternoon. Mrs Thompson-Pou said her husband had bragging rights and she would be hearing about it for the next year.

"Ngati Rangiwewehi won't be hosting next year so we'll be able to solely concentrate on beating them," she laughed.