Hordes of Haati Naatis at Pā Wars

Thousands of Haati Naatis showed up in force to represent their marae at the 2024 Ngāti Porou Inter Marae Sports festival, more commonly known as Pā Wars.

The event, which is in its 29th year, was organised by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Porou and saw 22 marae represented in 33 different events.

It took place on Wednesday at Whakarua Park in Ruatōrea. The usual location of Ngata Memorial College was unavailable because of construction work at the school.

The overall winner was Pakirikiri, second place was Hinemaurea ki Wharekahika, and third was Hinerupe.

The kaupapa of the festival is to strengthen whanaungatanga as Ngāti Porou, create a fun, relaxed and safe environment for whānau (mokopuna, tamariki, mātua and tīpuna) to play together, promote healthy lifestyle practices and as fundraising for the different marae.

The emphasis is on participation not competition.

Pā Wars organiser Leeanne Morice said it was an awesome day with a really great number of people showing up.

“There were easily around 4000 people at the event — it felt bigger than past years,” she said.

“When the team parade was happening, it was just so full, with all their flags and whānau representing their marae.”

She said this year it felt like more groups were put together to compete in nearly all the events. For example, there were 21 teams out of 22 in the netball event.

Many of the games of rugby 7s, Rippa rugby and kī-o-rahi were played on the main field in front of the marae gazebos so everybody had their chance in the spotlight.

“Everyone was really happy with the event and it being at Whakarua Park.”

Ohinewaiapu Marae from Rangitukia was one of the marae taking part.

Their men’s rugby sevens team,  coordinated by siblings Zoey Henderson and Hoani Te Moana engaged in a thrilling quarterfinal match against champions Hinerupe, narrowly missing out on a spot in the semifinals by one converted try.

Despite this, they were thrilled to have achieved a commendable third place overall in the sevens competition.

Ohinewaiapu Marae Pā Wars coordinator Ario Rewi said, “For te whānau a Takimoana, a small seaside hapū tucked away in sunny Rangitukia, participating in Pa Wars on behalf of our marae and hapu is an honour that we cherish.

“Despite being small in size compared to  other marae, we are big in heart and relish the opportunity to come together for a fun-packed day of whanaungatanga and activity,” she said.

Along with the events, there were kai vendors with plenty of sustenance for the crownds.

Leeanne Morice thanked all the whānau who came to compete, the roughly 100 volunteers who made the day go off without a hitch, and all the sponsors.