The 6th Bi-annual Kāhui Maunga Games was as much about reconnecting with koro Ruapehu and whānau as it was the games competition itself. Last Friday night and Saturday over 600 uri from Mākaranui, Maungārongo, Mō te katoa, Ngātokorua, Ōtoko, Paraweka, Raketapauma, Ruaka, Tirorangi, Tuhi Ariki and Waitahupārae Marae took to the courts, fields and tables of Ruapehu College competing in nine sporting codes.

Games Chair Brendon Morgan was delighted by the growing support being shown for the event and overall kaupapa. “While Paraweka received the award for Top Marae, the Games are more than just the sports being played. The kaupapa of ‘celebrating our uniqueness from the mountain to the sea’ was also achieved. The feedback has been very positive.”

Kuia Pani Te Hore said, “it’s great to see whānau of all ages from our pēpē (babies) right through to our kaumātua (elders) coming together for such a positive kaupapa. Being under the watchful eye of koro Ruapehu puts the icing on the cake”.

Ngāti Rangi Pou Ārahi (general manager) Kemp Dryden said that planning for the next games has already started with gathering of feedback from uri. “This kaupapa is growing and that there is opportunity for new members to come on board the organising committee”

Results – Overall Marae Winner: Paraweka, Hineraukatauri (fair play award): Tirorangi. Individual Sports - Whakataetae Poitūkohu (Mixed Basketball): Mākaranui, Whakataetae Poipātū (squash) first equal: Maungārongo, Ōtoko and Tirorangi, Whakataetae Uka (euchre): Ruaka, Whakataetae Maita (indoor bowls): Paraweka, Whakataetae Poikōpiko (table tennis): Ngātokorua, Whakataetae Poitarawhiti (mixed netball): Paraweka, Whakataetae Poirewa (mixed volleyball): Paraweka, Whakataetae Pā Whutupōro (mixed touch rugby): Tuhi Ariki and Whakataetae Tamariki (rippa rugby) 5 to7-years: first equal Tirorangi and Ngātokorua, 8 to 11-years: Makaranui.