Kī o Rahi He Taonga Tuku Iho Exploring the Realm of Physical Wellbeing in Kī o Rahi

Kī o Rahi, a traditional Māori game, influences physical wellbeing (taha tinana) within the holistic framework of hauora. Drawing on mixed-methods research grounded in kaupapa Māori theory, the study drew on both quantitative and qualitative insights to examine how engagement in Kī o Rahi influences hauora. The overarching aka mātua of this kaupapa recognises Kī o Rahi as a taonga tuku iho: a treasured practice handed down by tūpuna Māori that enables the transmission of mātauranga across generations and enhances wellbeing for Māori and all peoples of Aotearoa. Through the lens of taha tinana, quantitative measures characterised the physiological and movement demands of Kī o Rahi. The game elicited a high average heart rate (144 ± 16 bpm; 75% of age-predicted maximum) and peak heart rate (178 ± 15 bpm; 94% of age-predicted maximum), with players covering 2.3 ± 0.4 km per session and mean blood lactate levels of 3.2 ± 1.2 mmol/L, demonstrating a substantial cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal stimulus. Complementary qualitative data collected via post-game surveys identified three key themes: physicality, kaupapa/purpose and interconnectedness; with participants reporting lower perceived exertion than expected relative to physiological load, reflecting the relational and culturally embedded nature of taonga tākaro. Together, these findings affirm Kī o Rahi as a culturally grounded pathway to holistic wellbeing in Aotearoa.