First ever Taurite Tū games to be hosted in Dunedin

In what is a first in Aotearoa, Dunedin will host the inaugural Taurite Tū games, bringing kaumātua – older Māori adults – from around New Zealand together to celebrate this nationwide programme for strength, balance and manaakitanga.

Taurite Tū is a kaupapa Māori strength and balance exercise and wellness programme for our ageing Māori whānau (50 plus), encompassing physiotherapy and traditional Māori exercises, and empowering Māori to age with strength. The programme was created in Ōtepoti Dunedin at Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, designed and researched at Ōtākou Marae with kaumātua Māori, Māori physiotherapists, and Māori movement experts in mau rākau (Māori martial arts), tī rākau (Māori stick movements), poi, tākaro (games) and whare tapare (Māori performing arts and games).

In its fourth year (ending June 2024), Taurite Tū is currently delivered in 26 organisations throughout Aotearoa, from Whangarei to Bluff.

More than 200 Taurite Tū kaumātua from around the country are expected to be coming to Ōtepoti Dunedin from 28-30 November.

Taurite Tū Project Lead and Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka/ University of Otago Associate Dean Māori and Lecturer, at Te Kura Komiripai/ School of Physiotherapy, Katrina Pōtiki Bryant (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu), explains how this has come about.

“We are in our fourth year and thought it was time to bring all our amazing kaumātua and kaiako together to celebrate this incredible programme and mahi.’

“It makes sense to start here – Ōtepoti Dunedin, where the kaupapa was developed,” she says.

“A lot of work has gone into getting us this far, and we want thank our sponsors and supporters, including Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, WellSouth Primary Health Network, Dunedin Venues, and others.

“We are still looking for sponsors to support this event, which is the first of its kind, and is encouraging positive aging, and leading the way to creating wellbeing programmes that have a cultural foundation.”

Falls are a leading cause of injury for ageing people including Māori and these injuries sustained following falls can have major consequences. A 2019 trial showed that regular participation in Taurite Tū makes a positive difference for whānau Māori, with decreases in falls risk, increased whakawhanaungatanga, involvement in Te Ao Māori, and improved general wellness.

Ms Bryant says the event is an opportunity for kaumatua to engage in activities showcasing this strength-based kaupapa, share, connect and be given opportunities to participate in other health and wellbeing services. Participants will stay at the Te Rangihīroa College and use spaces at Forsyth Barr Stadium and Unipol recreation Centre.