Whanganui falter in ki o rahi final

In a repeat of last year, the Whanganui team floundered in the final at the National Ki O Rahi Nonoke Championships in Turangi on Saturday, losing to Te Arawa.

Ki o rahi is a fast-paced traditional Maori sport incorporating skills similar to rugby union, netball and touch rugby.

Two teams of 7 to 10 players face off on a circular field divided into zones, and score by touching the pou (boundary markers) and hitting a central tupu or target.

Last year Whanganui iwi sent a team to the nationals in Turangi for the first time, but a mix of youth and inexperience cost them the final.

Team captain Mike Lama said while his side were keen to reverse last year's result and lift the 2012 national title on Saturday, they had again met a stronger side on the day.

"We played five games and then the final and lost to Te Arawa in pool play and again in the final. It was a pretty physical game and close in the first half, but the weather played its part and the stronger side ran away with it in the second spell," Lama said yesterday.

"We had some of the smallest players and the youngest, so we did well to make the final again. The young guys have really got the fever now and are keen to have another crack at the title again next year."

Ki o rahi has grown significantly in Whanganui during the past three years, with more than 200 players. The Ki O Rahi Ki Whanganui Action Group has been integral in ensuring the sport's future. They are funded by Healthy Eating Healthy Action (HEHA) Community Action Fund from the Whanganui District Health Board.