Tribal rivals to face off in final showdown

PA WARS: The Te Arawa Pa Wars final is being held this afternoon. Pictured is Ngati Whakaue player Sam Phillips up against Ngati Pikiao last weekend. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 051013BF7

The Te Arawa Pa Wars will come to a climax today with an entertaining final on the cards.

Tuhourangi and Pikiao will battle it out at Puarenga Park at 1pm for the title of best Te Arawa league team.

Young and old took part in the traditional competition last weekend, with Tuhourangi and Pikiao coming out victors in their respective matches.

Added incentive for Ngati Pikiao today will be a chance to hold on to the title they won last year.

However, Tuhourangi may have what it takes to dethrone the local champions following a good performance last weekend against Ngati Rangiwewehi.

Whatever the outcome, a great atmosphere is promised at the ground today with plenty of bragging rights on offer for local iwi.

In the other match at Puarenga Park today Ngati Rangiwewehi will play Ngati Whakaue at 1pm.

The tournament, which features a great carnival atmosphere, was re-established last year in Rotorua after a break.

Co-organiser Lexia Lingman said she hoped it would continue for many years to come.

"At the end of the day it is a good build-up for the boys playing in the Maori tournament," she said.

Ms Lingman said Pikiao's James Ryan deserved plenty of credit this year for organising the tournament and keeping it going.

The Te Arawa Pa Wars will be followed by a Labour Weekend Maori rugby league tournament at Puketawhero Park.

The Te Arawa team competing at the tournament will include players from this year's Te Arawa Pa Wars competition.