Kaumatua remembered at Maori Touch Nationals

Rotorua Lakes Councillor and cultural ambassador Trevor Maxwell led a minute's silence in a special Powhiri Whakatau for the Maori Touch Nationals at Puarenga Park. PHOTO/ STEPHEN PARKER

The deaths of four prominent Maori leaders were in the minds of the hundreds of competitors as they were welcomed during an emotional official opening ceremony to the 2016 Maori Touch Nationals Tournament.

A minute's silence for the recent deaths of local kaumatua Napi Waaka, Fred Whata, Mita Mohi and Awanui Black was called for by Rotorua Lakes Council cultural ambassador and councillor Trevor Maxwell as part of a special pohiri whakatau at Puarenga Park on Saturday.

"It was important for us to share in a minute's silence to acknowledge the many that have passed away in our region recently," Mr Maxwell said.

The popular annual tournament, held in Rotorua for the third time in a row at the weekend, pitted takiwa, marae, iwi, hapu and waka teams from around New Zealand and Australia against one another.

Hosted by Rotorua Touch Association and Te Arawa Touch , more than 60 teams and 1000 players competed across nine grades - with Te Arawa teams entered in seven.

Te Arawa Touch, led by local Francis Teinakore-Curtis, offered up a warm welcome to all the other teams and there were poignant speeches from Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick and Mr Maxwell.

Mrs Chadwick said this year's tournament was the "best one" to date and highlighted the attendance of an Australian Maori side - South Queensland.

"This event is a classic Rotorua day. It was the third time we have held this competition here in Rotorua but this weekend was the best one we've had.

"It's the best I've seen the field, the teams and the support arrangements. And a special mention to South Queensland, we now want them to spread the word back home that this is the place to come.

"Also the weekend was a time to acknowledge the Maori wardens who have had a tremendously busy time lately with the loss of our kaumatua."