Rotorua tamariki and rangatahi will have the opportunity to shine on a national stage during Play Week Aotearoa 2025, as they take part in one of the country’s fastest-growing sports, ki-o-rahi.
This year, Haka Fit, Rotorua Lakes Council, Mokoia Community Association and Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa are proud to partner to deliver two activations as part of Play Week through dynamic, culturally enriching play activations that celebrate movement, whakapapa, and whanaungatanga.
Ki-o-rahi is a traditional Māori ball game played by two team, on a circular field, combining elements of touch, handball and rugby. Played with a small ball the teams compete to score points by touching markers on the field or hitting a central marker. The game can be played in all types of weather.
“Our aim is to ignite a passion for play, promote hauora (wellbeing), and strengthen community connections through indigenous-led initiatives,” says Rotorua Lakes Council Group Manager, Community Experience, Alex Wilson.
Haka Fit Operations Manager Rikihana Kingi adds, “Haka Fit is an initiative designed to promote health, wellbeing, cultural awareness and inclusiveness among tamariki and rangatahi. By providing engaging activities and encouraging physical participation and healthier lifestyle choices.”
By weaving traditional Māori values and practices into fun and inclusive experiences, the Play Week partnership will create meaningful opportunities for connection across generations, fostering both physical wellbeing and cultural pride. Late last year Rotorua Lakes Council adopted a Play, Active Recreation and Sport Strategy.
“This year’s Play Week activations are turning some of the aspirations collected from our community into reality by increasing opportunities for participation in traditional Māori sport and games,” says Mrs Wilson.
A key highlight of the week will be a celebration of tākaro Māori and the rapid rise of Ki-o-rahi, one of Aotearoa’s fastest-growing sports. According to NZSSSC statistics, secondary school participation in ki-o-rahi has increased by an impressive 52% between 2020 and 2024. In 2024 more than 4700 secondary school students across Aotearoa played kī-o-rahi with nearly equal numbers of girls and boys.
On Wednesday 22 October, tamariki, rangatahi and whānau are invited to take part in an interactive ki-o-rahi activation, where they’ll learn and practise the fundamental skills that underpin many tākaro (play) and kemu (game) Māori. This hands-on experience will be open to all ages and abilities, an opportunity to move, play and connect through culture. All are welcome.
Play Week Aotearoa 2025 is all about celebrating the value of play, the freedom, creativity and connection it brings to tamariki, whānau and communities across the motu.
“Play gives us the freedom to take risks, explore and grow. It’s how our tamariki build a lifelong love of being active, make sense of the world around them, get creative, build friendships and develop important life skills,” says Mr Kingi.
The celebrations will culminate on Friday, 24 October at the Village Green with exhibition matches between four local secondary schools and kura kaupapa, showcasing the competitive spirit, teamwork and mana of this growing sport within our community.
Rotorua Lakes Council encourages the community to get involved, celebrate indigenous play, and experience the joy and value of play in all its forms.
Rotorua Lakes Council Play Advocate Ranui Maxwell works to embed play into council planning and community spaces, ensuring play is inclusive, equitable, and culturally relevant.
She is one of 18 positions within 17 councils across the motu that have a dedicated Play Advocate, funded by Sport New Zealand.
“The aim is to- make systemic change across council to ensure “play” is encouraged as an everywhere possibility through playful and tactical urban design,” she says.
For more information about the event, head to our website and check out our social media platforms.
