THE Maniapoto Games will be held at Centennial Park Te Kūiti during Labour Weekend offering contests in a range of sports and activities. FILE PHOTO
TE Kāwau Maaro o Maniapoto Hui-ā-Iwi organising committee is proud to announce the return of the popular Te Kāwau Maaro o Maniapoto Hui-ā-Iwi, better known as the Maniapoto Games. The games will take place at Te Ora-o-Ngātai (Centennial Park, Te Kūiti) from Friday October 21, to October 23. The games began in 1996, making this the 26th event. In acknowledging its history, the weekend will consist of both sports and wānanga. This will give participants an opportunity to represent their respective marae, but also an opportunity to learn and extend their knowledge on what it means to be from Te Nehenehenui. One team per sports code per marae (as many players as you want). Power Pulling has five sections in the Open Grade which are as follows; 45+, Womens, Mens, Mixed, Rangatahi and Tamariki. Hunting grades and pakeke and tamariki (only pig and deer will be accepted for weigh-in this year). There are two grades, social and open, requiring a 45+ and an U12 on the court at all times. Open grade has sections for some sports and does not require the 45+ and U12. Social grade sports codes are: netball, volleyball, touch, squash, slow pitch, basketball, golf, outdoor bowls. Open grade sports codes are: power pulling sections, euchre. The hunting competition will look a little different this time round. In previous years kaimoana and tuna were a big part of hunting and fishing entries, however for the purpose of replenishment and reproduction, the organising committee has decided to steer clear of any water gathering activity that may have an effect on the replenishment of water species and resources. Competitors are asked to maintain respect for the environment and food resources by returning undersized kai where possible, obtaining only what is sufficient to comply with the rules of this competition and tikanga around mahinga kai, for example one of each is plenty. Weigh in will be done at Centennial Park on the side of the grandstand nearest the BMX track. Please enter grounds via William St only.
