The Gisborne Herald:
Hundreds attended finals day of the New Zealand Secondary School Ki o rahi Championships at the Rectory field in Gisborne last week.
Local schools put up a strong effort but it was not enough to win the title on Tairawhiti home soil.
Auckland school Te Kura Maori o Nga Tapuwae came out on top against Waikato kura kaupapa Maori Te Wharekura o Rakaumangamanga in the final.
It was a back-to-back triumph for defending champions Nga Tapuwae.
Event organiser Whetu Rangihaeata said the champs were a success, showcasing top ki o rahi talent as well as being a “positive kaupapa” for young people.
“It was a very close final between Nga Tapuwae and Rakaumangamanga. They are both quality sides. There were also a few upsets throughout the competition, which shows that anything can happen at this level. You don’t have to be a big powerhouse school to rock the boat.”