Maori warriors to battle the bulge
The Maori Battalion was instrumental in bringing Ki o Rahi to Europe when they played it overseas throughout World War Two. The game, which combines elements of rugby, netball and handball and is played in a circular arena, is still played in France and Italy to this day. Now members of the public can have a try at The Heart Foundation’s ‘Have a go’ spring festival. Along with sessions of volleyball and skipping - known by youngsters these days as ‘jump rope’ – instructors are to teach festivalgoers the rules then oversee a series of amateur games.
“Ki o Rahi used to be played with a flax ‘ki’ but nowadays it’s a soft ball you have to get into a bin,” explains the Heart Foundation’s Julie McLeod.
In 2010 a New Zealand representative Ki o Rahi team travelled overseas with a modern Maori Battalion, playing games all over Europe as they went. The team, which included ex-All Black Buck Shelford, played a French representative team and won 57-10.
There are several variations on Ki o Rahi, including a ‘hard core tackle’ version. In this version, “anything goes, except kicks to the head and privates” and players should note that there should be “no weapons”. The non-contact ‘ripper’ version is more commonly played, however, where tags are pulled off players to interrupt play instead of by tackling.
The festival is to warm up with a Pacific-style dance and exercise session and in true Heart Foundation style, festivalgoers are encouraged to join a five km walk which begins at Waitangi Park, and to bring a healthy picnic.
Heart Foundation ‘Have a go’ Spring festival, Waitangi Park, 10.30am-2.30pm, November 12.









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