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Māori games for a classroom.
For a long time, Māori have been involved in many different sports and games. Some are meant to teach important skills, some are part of special rituals, and others are just for fun. These traditional Māori games show the rich culture of Māori. These games have different purposes, like physical fitness, acquiring new skills, socialisation, and passing down cultural knowledge. Today, there has been a conscious effort to revitilise and encourage these traditional games to protect Māori culture and identity.
Below are some Māori traditional and non-traditional games, giving a starting point. Each game has its purpose and helps with many different physical and mental skills for ākonga.
Hei tama, tū tama.
DESCRIPTION:
In Hei tama tū tama, participants use their upper body, arms, and hands to maintain a well-balanced posture throughout the game. The specific positions involve placing hands on hips, raising both forearms with clenched fists and elbows to the side, or adopting variations such as raising the right forearm with a clenched fist and placing the left hand on the hip, or vice versa.
RULES:
The game follows defined rules where the defender initiates by calling "Hei tama tū tama" and then using one of the positions. The challenger responds with the same phrase and another action. Points are scored when a player catches their opponent mirroring their move, and then calling, "Hei tama tū tama rā!"
Hipihipi toitoi.
DESCRIPTION:
In this game, participants hold their thumbs in four distinct positions while clenching their fists and keeping their hands close together in front of the body. The positions include both thumbs down, both thumbs upright, right thumb upright with left thumb down, and left thumb upright with right thumb down.
RULES:
The gameplay begins with a player initiating the round by yelling "E hipitoitoi!" and adopting one of the specified thumb positions. The challenger responds with "Hipitoitoi" and performs a different action. The game progresses until one player is caught mimicking the other's move, leading to the scoring player declaring "Hipitoitoi rā!"
Whanowhano.
DESCRIPTION:
Traditionally employed for Toa (warrior) training, this small group or one-on-one activity focuses on enhancing leg strength, speed, and explosive power crucial for evading strikes from adversaries or swiftly maneuvering into an advantageous attacking position.
RULES:
The objective of the game is to match the landing position of the opponent. Guided by the call "whano," players execute four fundamental moves, jumping as high as possible and landing in one of four positions: feet together, feet apart, right foot forward, or left foot forward. The first player to shout "HI" upon achieving this mirroring wins the point, and in case of a tie, the player with the louder call claims victory.
Matimati.
DESCRIPTION:
Matimati, a game deeply rooted in traditional Toa (warrior) training, serves as a valuable method to hone skills in reading opponents' movements, mastering the art of evasion, and concealing attacking strategies. Positioned at arm's length, players keep both feet firmly planted and directed towards their opponent.
RULES:
The objective is to land open-handed strikes with palms facing upward on the opponent, while the other tries to skillfully evade the incoming attacks. Guidelines specify three levels of difficulty, progressing from hitting the shoulder (Level 1) to incorporating the waist (Level 2) and eventually including the knees (Level 3). Emphasizing a tag-like approach rather than forceful strikes, players are encouraged to maintain a balanced and engaging interaction.
Poi rākau.
DESCRIPTION:
Poi Rākau, traditionally a training game for warriors, involves one person positioned in the center (pūtahi), encircled by throwers (tukunga) standing in a formation known as a circle (wī).
RULES:
The game's objective is that the rākau are vertically placed on the ground. Players swiftly move to the left or right upon leaving their rākau, trying to catch the falling rākau before it makes contact with the ground. Players may face elimination if they fail to catch the rākau or execute a pass that leaves the other player with no chance of intercepting the rākau before it touches the ground.
Pukana.
DESCRIPTION:
"Pukana, a rhythmic game fostering mental development and enjoyment, requires a minimum of six players who stand in a circle, maintaining a rhythm by softly slapping their thighs at a manageable speed.
RULES:
The game initiates with a caller announcing, 'Tēnei te kēmu, pukana, pukana, raiti,' prompting players to sustain the beat while responding with 'hi' and 'ha.' The kaea or caller then directs 'pukana' and indicates the left or right direction, where the person on the corresponding side continues the pukana, creating a sequential flow."
Tahi, rua, toru (Māori counting game).
DESCRIPTION:
This Māori hand-clapping counting game requires players to get to the number 5 without making a mistake. Each round the speed gets faster and faster.
RULES:
The game starts with all participants counting to number 5 in te reo Māori and each number has a unique hand action that goes with it. If a participant gets the action or number incorrect than they are eliminated from the round. Each round the game gets faster and faster leaving only one player left as the winner.
Reference list:
Rotorua Reorua. (2019). Kēmu - Hei tama, tū tama [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUffkW0w__g
Oosterwegel, J. (2022). Hipi Toi Toi - New Zealand [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRhqX4gBhco&t=5s
Whanowhano - Taonga Tākaro (Traditional Māori Game). (n.d.). Rangatahi Tu Rangatira. https://www.r2r.org.nz/games-activities-maori-youth/whanowhano.html
Matimati - Taonga Tākaro (Traditional Māori Game). (n.d.). Rangatahi Tu Rangatira. https://www.r2r.org.nz/games-activities-maori-youth/matimati.html
Rotorua Reorua. (2019). Kēmu - Matimati [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0Ifhq6sgzU&t=20s
Poi Rākau - Taonga Tākaro (Traditional Māori Game). (n.d.). Rangatahi Tu Rangatira. https://www.r2r.org.nz/games-activities-maori-youth/poi-rakau.html
TheCoconutTV. (2019). Coco Kids - How to Play Poi Rakau [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxUusoCX74Y&t=26s
Calman, R. (2013). Traditional Māori games – ngā tākaro. Te Ara. https://teara.govt.nz/en/traditional-maori-games-nga-takaro
try2babetter1. (2013). Noho Marae - Maori Counting Game [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFbst78wog0