Our PE focus this term has been 'Diversity in Sport'. This included learning about sports that different cultures or people from other countries play. We have focused on Maori sports such as Ki O Rahi and Tapu Ae, and have also learnt a sport from Switzerland called Tchoukball.

On Thursday we had Ginny from Sport Otago teach us further traditional Maori Games. We learnt about the history behind the sport, and why such games and activities were developed. Often games were developed to prepare for battle or to help train for the capture and preparation of Kai.

Hei tama tū tama was a game played for mental dexterity in preparation for battle.

Patikitiki is played on a pattern made of Harakeke flowers (dried flax flowers) in the shape of a flounder. This shape symbolises food and hospitality. On the call "Tahi, rua, toru" students move their feet from grid to grid. If they are in the same grid as someone else they quickly call "hi", and elimate the other player.

We played games with Poi Toa, and staff enjoyed this great version of  Dodgeball against the students using poi.

We ended our session outside where we played  Taki or Māori darts. This activity was great training for fishing or throwing of spears. The students were able to fling their harakeke or flax leaf dart far across the field. 

The best thing about these games, was that they can be played anywhere and were great fun!

Thanks to Ginny, we really appreciated your time. It was great you were able to pass on your knowledge to us all, and we hope students go home and teach their whanau some of the great games we played!