Recently, students from all across Ōtautahi took part in Hiwa I Te Rangi – a Matariki Secondary School Kī O Rahi tournament.

Facilitated by Kī O Rahi kī Waitaha, Hiwa I Te Rangi (named after the star connected to aspirations and goals) brought together eight teams from schools across Ōtautahi to compete in the traditional Māori ball game on a stunning day in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

The purpose of Hiwa I Te Rangi, alongside celebrating the great game of Kī O Rahi and those who play it, was to celebrate and reflect during Matariki. Pou (used for collecting points) were  named after whetu (stars) within the constellation, and the tournament heavily focuses on ngā uara (values) and education around Matariki and Te Reo Māori.

Something that makes Kī O Rahi tournaments unique is a wānanga held before each tournament and Hiwa I Te Rangi was no exception - held over July 15-17, rangatahi from different schools who are involved in Kī O Rahi came together to explore and grow leadership and wellbeing, using the game as the vehicle.

On tournament day, July 17, mixed teams from Ōtautahi-based secondary schools – Te Aratai College, Lincoln High School, Shirley Boys High School, Avonside Girls High School, Te Puna o Waipapa, Hagley College, Hillmorton High School, Rolleston College and Te Puna o Waipapa – competed across the day, with Hagley College emerging victorious in a hotly-contested match with Lincoln High School.

Ngā mihi nui to everyone who participated in the pre-tournament wānanga, the tournament itself, and all umpires, supporters, and organizers – we look forward to Hiwa I Te Rangi in 2024!
 

Article added: Friday 04 August 2023