Waikato-Tainui Gets Set for Major Tribal Sports Event

Waikato-Tainui is all set for its largest tribal sports event being held over three weekends in January and early February.

Held every two years, the 2014 Waikato-Tainui Games is expected to attract more than 20,000 tribal members keen to participate in the social head-to-head competition.

Rahui Papa, Chairman of Waikato-Tainui’s tribal executive Te Arataura, says the Waikato-Tainui Games will see tribal members represent one of 68 Waikato Raupatu marae in a range of sporting
events and activities.

“The Waikato-Tainui Games is one of our most popular events and sees tribal members of all ages taking part and showing support for their marae,” says Mr Papa. “Although marae will compete head-to-head, the Games event is also about our whaanau getting together to celebrate tribal unity, tribal pride and tribal identity.”

This year’s Games will feature a kapa haka component which aims to enhance the dissemination of tribal knowledge through Waikato waiata (songs) and haka. “Upholding our tribal history, knowledge, reo and tikanga is a key area of focus for the tribe so we’re excited to include kapa haka

“We also want to encourage our whaanau to live healthier lifestyles so we will be offering a range of health and wellbeing services throughout the event including face-to-face health checks for our kaumaatua. The Games will also maintain its stance on being a smoke free, drug free and alcohol free event.”

Events and activities for the Waikato-Tainui Games kick off on Saturday January 18 with surfing at Manu Bay in Raglan. On January 25, indoor bowls, Ki-o-Rahi, tennis and waka ama will be held at Turangawaewae Marae and Paterson Park, Ngaruawahia.

The main Games event will follow on February 1-2 at the Hopuhopu Sports and Tribal Complex in Hopuhopu. Activities include power pulling, touch rugby, netball, basketball, table tennis, volleyball, chess and a hiikoi (walk).

To wrap up activities a finale concert is planned featuring performances by New Zealand music artists 1814, Sons of Zion, Magic Paora, Sammy J and Bella Kalolo.

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