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Tokomaru Bay whanau continued their winning streak on January 3rd when Pakirikiri Marae were crowned the overall champions of the 2015 Ngati Porou Inter-marae Sports Festival (aka Pa Wars).
The 20th Anniversary of the annual event was held in Ruatoria, and Pakirikiri Marae took home prize money of close to $4000. However all 20 Ngati Porou marae who entered the 35 events on offer at this year’s Pa Wars were the winners on the day. In total $15250 worth of sponsorship money was allocated out to the marae who came first, second or third in the events they entered.
An estimated four to five thousand people participated in the 2015 Pa Wars throughout the day, which was spread out between four different venues – Ngata Memorial College, TKKM o Te Waiu o Ngati Porou, Whakarua Park and the Ruatoria Hotel. The usual favourites such as volley ball, athletics, trivial pursuits were joined by a new event, Ngati Football, which was big hit and will likely become a regular feature.
Leeanne Morice, part of the organising committee for the event says that over the years Pa Wars has been going while some events have changed there are some key principles.
“One of the consistent features of Pa Wars is the participation of all age groups in the events. We have activities for the tamariki, for the rangatahi and for the older generation to enjoy. You don’t have to win all your events to claim points for your marae. In Pa Wars participation is everything, and just by having a go at something you are supporting your marae,” she says.
Leeanne also says that Pa Wars provides the opportunity for marae teams who may be small in numbers, to prove that size doesn’t necessarily matter. “This year Taumata o Tapuhi Marae won well in the Kiorahi and touch rugby, one of Pa War’s premium events. Rongohaere/Penu Marae also proved their strength by winning the Tug o war event which provides the finale to the day and is hugely contested.”
“As Pa Wars has begun to be hosted by different communities, we see new events being introduced which reflects the interests of the community. For example when Pa Wars was hosted by Tokomaru Bay they introduced ocean based swimming and lifesaving events. Next year the Matakaoa community will host Pa Wars 2016 in Te Araroa, so it will be interesting to see the events that they will bring to the day.”
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Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou would like to thank the Ruatoria Community for their support of Pa Wars 2015. And also the Tuia Te Here Tangata touring group, a roopu of young volunteers who supported on the day.
Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou would also like to thank the following list of sponsors who generously supported this event.
