Pop-up kī-o-rahi sessions coming to Whanganui and nearby regions

Sport Whanganui is hosting free community kī-o-rahi sessions between January 16 and January 23 as part of a wider initiative to promote the sport.

Sport Whanganui Healthy Active Learning is hosting a series of pop-up style kī-o-rahi sessions across Whanganui and nearby regions for tamariki and whānau.

The free sessions are from January 16 to January 23 in Whanganui, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu and Waimarino.

The programme aims to increase participation in the traditional Māori game through family and community inclusion.

“Kī-o-rahi is really starting to take off in our schools and kura,” Sport Whanganui Healthy Active Learning lead Jen Bagshaw said.

“We often hear whānau say they wish they understood the game better, so we saw this as a great opportunity to create a space for families to give it a go and have fun together.”

The Whanganui sessions are at Peat Park (January 16), Lundon Park (January 21), Williams Domain (January 22), and Springvale Park (January 23).

In Rangitīkei, sessions will be held at Marton Park (January 16) and Bulls Domain (January 21).

The Ruapehu and Waimarino sessions are at Raetihi Rec Grounds in Pitt St (January 20), Christie Park, Ohakune (January 21) and Taihape Domain (January 22).

All sessions will run from 3-4pm except for the Bulls Domain session which will be from 2.30-3.30pm.

All equipment and instruction on how to play will be provided.

“Kī-o-rahi is building momentum in our schools and kura and Sport Whanganui is committed to supporting the revitalisation of this kaupapa in any way we can,” Bagshaw said.

“These pop-ups give the community a chance to reconnect, engage for the first time or simply see what it is all about.”

Erin Smith is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.