More than 5000 “Nātis” descended on Ruatōria for the annual Ngāti Porou inter-marae sports day.

This year saw 23 marae compete in 39 events at Ruatōria’s Ngata Memorial College, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Wai Ū o Ngāti Porou and Whakarua Park.

Pākirikiri marae from Tokomaru Bay took out this year’s honours, winning $5,000 prize money. Te Aowera marae of Ruatōria was second.

The Minister of Māori Affairs, Parekura Horomia, was co-judge of the karaoke section with New Zealand-born international singing star Daniel Bedingfield, who also performed a beat box number. Both judges were impressed with the huge line-up of talent.

From the karaoke stage to the tug-of-war field - the Minister has run what has become one of the “glamour” events of the inter-marae sports day for the past five years and this year the “pulling power” of Ngāti Porou marae was again a sight and sound to behold!

Hauiti marae of Ūawa took out the tug-of-war with Hinepare marae of Rangitukia coming second.

The Ngāti Porou inter-marae sports day is now in its 17th year and Minister of Māori Affairs Parekura Horomia said the event had been an outstanding success for all participants. “It has been truly wonderful. The passion is strong and positive. Everybody loves it,” he says.