Muriwhenua Side Scoops Ki o Rahi Iwi Bowl Comp at Waitangi

Press Release: 09 February 2011

Photos & text by Anna Tripp

Students from Taipa Area School launched their new school year bringing home the 2011 Waitangi Ki o Rahi Iwi Bowl trophy at the weekend.

The students joined ranks with 'Ko Tahi Tatou o Muriwhenua' (Te Rarawa) selected by team captain Paulette Lewis giving a youthful edge to the mixed adult side. The team led a consistent game throughout the day displaying flair and agility against highly competitive Taitokerau sides representing Te Rarawa, Ngati Kahu, Ngati Hine, Kerikeri and Whangarei.

Ki o Rahi enthusiast, Harko Brown who presided over the weekend games, was excited at the developing talent and skills across all teams.

"The standard and level of play is just awesome to see. The powerhouse of Ki o Rahi tihae (rippa), Te Rarawa, was again too strong taking out the final 20-6 against Kerikeri".

In its second year, the Waitangi Iwi Bowl event saw eight teams combine to make four 'super teams' resulting in high quality play, close scorelines and a great public spectacle.

The six students and rising stars of Ki o Rahi representing Taipa Area School at the Iwi Bowl were: Josh Robson, Anton Osborne, Te Karehana Gardiner-Toi, Tamiro Taniora, Dajna Wetere, and Chaz Wetere.

Paulette Lewis says it was an awesome start to the year with community training and games set to kick off this week in Taipa and Kaitaia.

"We're on a roll with Ki o Rahi and we just want to encourage more people to play it" says Paulette.

Look out for games taking place at the forthcoming events:

Kaitaia AMP Show and Hukatere Challenge 26 February

Ki o Rahi games every Tuesday from 4pm at Kaitaia Intermediate

Ki o Rahi Junior trials now underway at Taipa Area School

For more information: contact Paulette Lewis on 408 0141

ENDS