Wednesday 24th February 2021 saw the Tuwharetoa Secondary School Regionals Tournament held at Tongariro School in Turangi!

6 teams took part on the day. Roera Hartley tells us “It was an awesome day all round, a big thanks to Tongariro School for once again allowing us to host there. Also a big thanks to the refs, teams and everyone else for making the day really enjoyable.”

Whiua - Tuwharetoa Ki o Rahi Regionals 2021

This year the tournament crowned a new champion, with Taumarunui High School beating Tongariro School in the final.

We caught up with Melissa Brown, Teacher Liaison for Ki o Rahi from Taumarunui High to get some of her highlights from the day.

“We took two teams along and after our results in pool play, both our teams met in the Semis. This game proved to be a nail biter as combinations moved around and players had to change tactics to try and earn points. The beauty of the two teams taking on each other was the whanau comradery that was shown. Both sides showed dedication and commitment and good sportsmanship giving cheers and high fives no matter which team scored. THS 1 eventually took the game 15 to 8, meaning they progressed to the finals against Tongariro.”

“This final game was a highlight of the day for us. THS 1 looked like they were in the zone and it showed on the score board. Tongariro threw everything at them - including the Ki at the girls who were kaitiaki. They proved true guardians and only allowed Tongariro to score 3 times through the entire game! When THS were Taniwha the boys showed brilliant skill hitting a number of times. During their time as kioma, players took the opportunity to score quick and often, only hitting one or two pou before heading in for tupu manawa. This showed to be the right decision with THS 1 taking out the game 24 to 7.”

“This meant that THS 1 were named Regional Champions for 2021 and have successfully secured Taumarunui High School a place in the National Tournament in April in Waitangi.”

“A big thank you to Dominic Tuhakarina for his hard work and dedication, also to Elkanah Andrews Peters and Turoa Iwikau who have picked up the role of coaches.”

Kaiwawao - Tuwharetoa Ki o Rahi Regionals 2021

Tongariro School hasn’t been in the final for a while too, so they’ve done really well to get themselves back into the finals of regionals, but also to get a place at nationals means a lot.

The following three teams have qualified for Nationals and Roera is in discussions with Tai Tokerau hosts for a possible fourth qualifier.

Taumarunui High School

Tongariro School

Te Kura o Hirangi

Thanks to Taumarunui High School for the photos!

Good luck to all teams at Nationals :D

Kura Toa - 2021 Tuwharetoa Secondary School Ki o Rahi Champions Taumarunui High School

Results - 2021 Tuwharetoa Secondary School Regionals