2024 Kaumātua Olympics: Celebrating Hauora and Whanaungatanga

Yesterday, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and Ora Toa PHO hosted this year’s Kaumātua Olympics, bringing iwi from across the wider Horowhenu/Pōneke region together at Te Rauparaha Arena to compete. The event saw an overwhelming response, with 30 teams registered to take part. 

The Kaumātua Olympics is a special event for our kaumātua, aged 60 and over. This year’s oldest tāne, Paddy Te Rangi, was 84, and the oldest wahine, Mick Maru, was 92. The goal of the event is to promote hauora (well-being) and strengthen whakawhanaungatanga (connections) between neighboring iwi, all while having fun and sharing good times.

Tiana Cullinan, one of our Ora Toa kaimahi, reflected on the event, saying, “The best part about working with kaumātua is witnessing the connections they build through our classes at Ora Toa, and seeing those relationships flourish at kaupapa like the Kaumātua Olympics. It’s all about hononga (connection) and aroha (love)—giving them space to bond and enjoy themselves with other kaumātua in the community.”

The day kicked off with a whakatau, uniting everyone and perhaps a chance for to get a sneak peek at the competition. The atmosphere was electric, with kaumātua dressed in colorful tutus, feather boas, and coordinated team outfits. 

Throughout the day, the arena echoed with laughter, playful banter, and the competitive spirit we all know and love. Games included crowd favorites such as cornhole, seated volleyball, darts, and noodle hockey, providing endless entertainment and joy for participants and spectators alike.

The day wouldn’t have been possible without the support of key sponsors Ora Toa PHO and Porirua City Council and our contributors Te Pāti Māori, Wellington Free Ambulance, Ngāti Toa Māori Wardens, the Cancer Society, Stroke Foundation and of course, our amazing volunteers. 

After kai provided by CJ’s Hāngi, the winners of this year's Kaumātua Olympics were finally announced.

The lovely ladies from Hora Te Pai took out the 'Team Kaha' award. Second place went to the mighty team from Ngā Hapū o Te Reureu - Te Reureu Vally Vibes, who put up a strong fight this year, eager to hold onto their title but happy to walk away with their second-place taonga.

At the end of the day, there could only be one winner. We’re thrilled to announce that this year's Kaumātua Olympics champions were Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Takapūwāhia Team Rua! The Takapūwāhia team won in a clean sweep, not losing a single game all day!

Team Leader of the winning team Raymond Katene, shared his gratitude for the event, saying he loved kaupapa like this that bring kaumātua from all around the rohe together. He also noted that many kaumātua found that when they were playing with physical ailments like back or knee pain seemed to disappear during the event. “You’re filled with too much aroha and joy to even notice,” he said.

We are excited to announce that next year’s Kaumātua Olympics will be hosted once again by our whanaunga - Ngā Hapu o Ōtaki. So, kaumātua, you have a year to train and get ready. We look forward to seeing you all there.