Tū Mātau Ora share taonga tākaro as a fun safe way to engage in Māori customs and culture. Tākaro provide a platform where mistakes are part of the learning and often part of the fun!
These are some of the kemu we are excited to share online, just click on the picture to get more info.
Whai
String games
Whai are played on 6 continents by nearly all ancient cultures. Māori used them to pass on knowledge, through stories and whakapapa. They were also used as a fun way to pass the time. Click below to check out our matariki pattern and
In traditional Māori society, game play was highly valued and exercised. Like all cultures, Māori used play to develop physical skills, strategic thinking, problem solving and importantly helped to develop essential social skills.
Tākaro also connects us to atua (gods). For instance, flying Manu tukutuku (kites) connects directly with Tāwhirimātea (Atua of wind). Walking in the forest with Tane Mahuta and with Tangaroa & Hine Moana when at the beach
“taonga tākaro has the unique ability to positively impact everybody like nothing else” Heather – teacher
Play was and still is a way of increasing the mana of an individual, whānau and hapū by excelling at activities or games competitions.
We are firm believers and promoters that play is for everyone!
Play provides the ultimate platform for holistic wellness with games that challenge the body and the mind.
They also offer many social interactions and chances to connect with your community and environment.
It’s always more fun sharing these games in person where you can get further details and a better feel for the games. Get in touch if you or your rōpu would like more info or to arrange a wānanga with Tū Mātau Ora.
Poi Toa
Workshops available
Kēmu Māori
Kī o Rahi Pūrākau
Check out the story of Rahitūtakahina and find out about the history of the kēmu/game Ki o Rahi.
There are lots of different versions of the pūrākau, just like there are lots of different rules for the kēmu/game.
Poi Toa – Warrior Poi
Poi Toa were traditionally made from Harakeke/Flax, Raupō/Bulrush and sometimes filled with pōhatu/rocks. They were used to train toa/warriors.
Today Poi Toa are used to have lots of fun playing games.
Do you want to make your own Poi Toa?
Book your Poi Toa session with us today and join the Poi Toa Revolution!
Poi Rakau
Kēmu and activities using a rākau/wooden stick or similar.
Mauī/Matau- Is a great team building game, and a real work-out for your roro/brain! It combines physical and mental tasks directed by instructions given in te reo Māori.
Tū Mātau Ora 