Paa Wars bind people together as family

"Here mai ngaa taura taangata ki ngaa taura waka kia kootahi ai taatou i a taatou anoo, kei raro i te kaupapa ake o te whakawhaanaungatanga". Bind together the ties of the human qualities so that they are one under the mantle of family.

This whakatauaaki aptly sums up the rugby league, the netball, the celebrations of Kaai Tahutanga and Kaati Kuriitanga and what it means to belong. Close to 500 people – players, supporters, helpers, cooks, kitchen hands, dish washers and dryers – flooded to Takahanga Marae over the long weekend.

Beginning with the poowhiri late Friday night and the first round of netball early Saturday morning followed by the first game of league, it was obvious a good weekend was on the way.

Netball and rugby league were played in near perfect conditions. People not accustomed to such large events witnessed what had been in the preparation diaries for months. Lolly scrambles, sausage sizzles, coffee, junior touch and Maaori mirimiri were some of the other activities taking place during the battles on the courts and field.

Tuuaahiwi won both the netball and the rugby league and were deserved winners as well. With too much class and speed for the local league team in the final, the score was testament to doing more homework that the Takahanga side. Even with a local player suffering a stroke during the first game, this wasn't enough to pull off a win for the locals, but the team played strongly.

For the banquet feasts, making up close to 200 beds, the great weather and the hospitality shown by the local marae, there are many thanks that need to be made: The Ngaai Tahu and Kaikooura Ruunanga, the Takahanga Marae Committee, Mangamaunu Marae, Tim Manawatu and his cooking crew, the Manawatu and Timms whaanau, all Takahanga players and supporters, Raapaki and Tuuaahiwi Marae and their players and supporters, partners of players and supporters, all of the referees, coaches, managers captains and ancillary staff.

To Werner van Aswegen and Kaikooura High School for the venue, Robbie's staff for the after function and to Marea Clayton, Debs Timms and lastly Maurice Manawatu and Tania Wati for all of their work: ka mau kee oo koutou Wehi e Hika maa.