The Māori people are the Indigenous Polynesian inhabitants of Aotearoa (New Zealand), having arrived in waves of canoe voyages from eastern Polynesia around the 13th century. They brought rich oral traditions, intricate carving and weaving arts, and a deep spiritual connection to the land and sea. The Māori are renowned for their warrior culture, exemplified by the powerful haka—a ceremonial dance performed to convey challenge, unity, or celebration. Today, they play a vital role in New Zealand's cultural identity, actively preserving their language (Te Reo Māori), customs (Tikanga), and unique worldview while contributing to all aspects of modern Kiwi society.

The game Ki-o-Rahi is believed to have been played by the Māori people long before European contact with New Zealand, possibly for several centuries. The exact origins and the precise date it was first played are unclear since Māori history was traditionally passed down orally rather than written. Depending on the rule set, this game is like a combination of rugby or flag football and handball featuring classic invasion game tactics. The game was traditionally used not just for recreation but also for training, storytelling, and strengthening community bonds. Though its popularity waned in the 20th century, it has seen a modern revival as part of efforts to preserve and celebrate Māori culture. Helpful to the preservation of the sport were the French soldiers from WWII, who learned the game from Māori soldiers of the 28th Māori battalion. Many years later, in 2006, France and New Zealand played the first international Ki-O-Rahi match. Now, it is common to see the game being played in school for PE or during various festivals.

The attacking team’s goal is to "capture" or "destroy" Te Tupu, which can be seen as symbolizing a challenge to the established order, a descent into the darkness, or a confrontation with spiritual forces. This team represents the forces of change, chaos, or transition. Their goal is to challenge the existing structure and bring about a new balance. In Māori cosmology, death or transition to the underworld (Te Pō) is not viewed negatively but as part of a necessary cycle. In Ki-o-Rahi, the attacking team's role could symbolize the forces that bring about change, rebirth, and transformation, which are integral to the natural world.

For all the metaphysical connection the game has to Māori mythology and spirituality, it also served in a practical sense for training people for combat. Like any good team sport, there are elements of strategy, teamwork, and agility, which mirror skills and tactics used in traditional Māori warfare. The game requires players to be strategic about their positioning, movement, and collaboration, much like in battle. The game is played in a circular field, which could symbolize the defensive nature of the Māori Pā (fortified village) and the constant movement in combat. The same qualities warriors needed for battle were also needed in the Whānau (family), Hapū (sub-tribe), and Iwi (tribe) to work together to achieve a common goal where cooperation and unity are crucial.

Just as Māori games like Ki-o-Rahi were used to pass down stories, values, and teachings, the game serves as a means of education. By playing the game, younger generations learn physical skills and the cultural and spiritual significance of the Māori worldview. This is a key aspect of the Māori concept of whakapapa (genealogy), where knowledge and traditions are passed from one generation to the next. Like different tribes of Māori, there are different versions of how to play Ki-O-Rahi. Wherever the game is played has its own unique “house rules,” which is not a flaw but a feature because it reflects the values of whakapapa (lineage), whanaungatanga (relationship), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the people who carry the story.

Ki-O-Rahi is a beautiful game that symbolizes the Māori mythology of Rahi, the Māori creation myth, and the spiritual journey one makes upon death. Thus, the game is not a conflict but a cosmic dance between creation, journey, challenge, and return.

Materials: 

·      A gym or sizeable outdoor play space

·      Lots of rubber disc dots or cones, especially if you are outside with no field markings

·      Soft dodgeball

·      Jerseys and pinnies

·      Optional (but highly recommended) flag belts

·      A large target like a 55-gallon garbage can

·      Hula Hoops

Prior Knowledge: This game is excellent for students studying Oceanic people or doing a specific study on New Zealand. There are many versions of Ki-O-Rahi, so you must choose the most appropriate version for your class.