The Koru Games Kī-o-Rahi competition will be played under the following rules developed by Kī-o-Rahi ki Waitaha.

Check out the video resource below to assist with the breakdown of the rules.

• This will be a maximum of eight a-side tournament, with a maximum of four reserve players.
• Teams need to have a minimum of three players of each gender on the field at all times. This number may be pushed out to 4 if tournaments are played 8 a-side.
• This is a non-contact tournament.
• Kīoma and taniwha must touch a pou before they can score (Please refer to ‘Functions of taniwha & kioma’).

Each game will consist of four 4 minute quarters; a straight swap over at quarter time and a minute half-time break.

Please see link below for further detail of competition formats for each sport.

Appropriate shoes (touch boots with plastic sprigs are fine but no rugby boots with studs) and sports clothing must be worn at all times.

Players can only play in barefeet if none of the other players in the Kī-o-Rahi games are using touch boots (plastic sprigs). 

Rippa Belts for each member of team and flags.

• There will be a maximum of two rips.
• You must hand the kī over if you are either; a) ripped by two people or b) Once there have been two rips by the opposition.
• Once you have been ripped you have three seconds to pass the kī. If you do not release the kī within 3 seconds you must turn the kī over.
• If you have been ripped, you cannot score unless you have passed the kī.
• Players are not allowed to use their body or arms to prevent a player from ripping their tags. 
• Players must maintain movement that does not prevent the defender's ability to rip their tags.

• Te Ara (please refer to Figure 1 below for field dimensions) to be only used by the kīoma to enter and exit the Pawero. It MUST not be used to score tries. When passing the kī, the kī must be passed before entering in and out of Te Ara. There will be one warning, and if players continue not to comply, the kī will be turned over.
• Players from Kīoma can pick the kī up in Te Ara but have 5 seconds to release the kī and must not run the kī out. Taniwha can grab the kī as long as their feet stay in Te Ao or Te Roto.​​​​​​​

The game will be started/restarted with a kick from Te Marama by a kīoma player.  The kī must land on the full in te pāwero.  Taniwha must remain in te roto for the kick off.

• There are unlimited substitutions. However, the reserve must wait until their team member has left the field before entering. Teams will be given warnings at first but if a team continues not to follow, their team will be forced to play with a player down for 1 min.
• There will be a designated substitution box for reserves.

• If a player gives away a penalty, they must stand next to the opposition while they pass the kī. Other opposition must give the player two metres to pass the kī. Once the kīhas been released, they may continue play.
• Penalties will be given for excessive contact, any time wasting and inappropriate language.
• Players are given 5 seconds to release the kī. Failure to release the kī in this time will result in a hand over.
• Players are allowed to run OR pass to restart the game, defending players must allow the player with the kī to either pass or start their run before defending.;

• These will be awarded when a player touches the tupu, NOT Te Wairua

If player continues to intentionally give away penalties or the referee deems a player to be putting the game into disrepute. They will be sent-off for two mins. This is a last resort and we encourage all players and supporters to help the referees in these situations.

This is a mixed tournament only.

Each school can only enter one team in each competition. If you have additional teams wanting to play, please add them to the waitlist form and we will be in contact once registrations close if there are spaces available in that competition.

We are committed to using this tournament as a development for youth officials. If you have willing and able senior student referees please include them in your entry form. Upskilling can happen prior to the tournament for those that need it.

The Kī-o-Rahi tournament only has a mixed competition. They will play round robin games in pools, the results of which will give seeding for a knockout round resulting in overall placings.

All schools/teams must be accompanied by a manager (teacher, parent, senior student).

All teams/schools are required to bring their own basic first aid supplies to deal with minor injuries that may occur.

Habit Health will be at the Rolleston Hub to support competitors with sporting injuries throughout the Games.

Rolleston Hub

All equipment (apart from Rippa belts please provide your own) and match kī will be provided.