Iwi league series draws big crowd
Players from all over Aotearoa flocked to Taranaki for an iwi rugby league series with more than just titles on the line.
The annual Taranaki Whānui Māori rugby league tournament was held in Tikorangi last weekend, and organiser Ngahina Capper said its meaning for those who took to the field, including those who travelled especially to take part, ran deep.
“That’s the cool thing about it, it’s not just a league game, it’s about representing your family and your whakapapa.”
The sporting festival has been running in the region for seven years, and it was Ngāti Mutunga’s turn to play host.
Capper said the weekend’s competition was “really, really awesome” despite the wet weather conditions.
On Saturday, he estimated about 1000 people were in attendance at the Clifton Rugby & Sports Club.
Te tiawa took ¯ out A the premiership title, which involved the top four teams, by narrowly beating Ngāti Mutunga 12-10,
Capper said.
The wāhine toa final was won by Ngāruahine, who defeated Te tiawa 26-14.
In the championship final, Puke Ariki came out on top, defeating Ngā Rauru 18-12.
Capper said Puke Ariki was first formed in the 1970s and was made up of a group of players who were raised in New Plymouth, but didn’t whakapapa to Taranaki.
Next year’s tournament will be hosted by Ngā Rauru in Waverley.