As a local sporting champion leaves Christchurch to coach overseas, he measures his wins in the smiles of kids across southwest Christchurch.

The students have learned a lot from Robbie Harlow – that being active is about having fun, and learning about New Zealand’s indigenous culture is one of the best parts of the game.

As part of Sport Canterbury’s Community Sport team, Harlow has taken Ki O Rahi into several southwestern schools, giving the teachers skills and support to teach the game to their students – who in turn teach each other.

Ki O Rahi has been heralded as “a combination of rugby, dodgeball, tag and live-action role play involving two games being played at the same time…a game native to New Zealand.”

The traditional Maori game is based on a colourful pūrākau (legend) of a man called Rahitutakahina rescuing his wife, Tiarakurapakewai, after overcoming several obstacles involving a taniwha, a lake and an ice bridge.

According to Harlow, the game also encourages kids who may not participate in traditional sporting codes – to have a go. “It’s high inclusion, co-ed and emphasises teamwork and communication,” says Harlow.

In 2017, the team at Sport Canterbury learnt Ki O Rahi from TOA Sports at Ara Institute and thought it would be a good sport for primary schools to try.

Six southwestern schools formed a Ki O Rahi cluster competition, and Harlow was invited to the final tournament of the year at Yaldhurst Model School in October. He was thrilled to see students well versed in the rules – and with confidence that had grown significantly over the two terms since the game was first introduced.

Hornby Primary School teacher Heather Matthews saw clear benefits for her students. “They’re learning something new and it’s all contributing to their wellbeing, and it’s a good chance to mix with the other schools in the cluster.

“It’s also a really good chance to revive a traditional game.”

Harlow’s own sporting passion – rugby – will now take him back to Spain as a player/coach for CRAT Coruna on the northwest coast, the same club he played for in 2013.

On September 7th, a Ki O Rahi cluster tournament in southwest Christchurch will feature participation by South Hornby, Gilberthorpe, Yaldhurst and Hornby Primary Schools.