Last year, a bold new chapter in inclusive sport began at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua. Disabled athletes from the dsport Wheelchair Rugby team took to the court in the world’s first nonoke (tackle) wheelchair Ki-ō-Rahi kēmu (game), a unique fusion of wheelchair rugby and Ki-ō-Rahi, the traditional Māori game.

For many players, it was their first time encountering Ki-ō-Rahi and they embraced the wero (challenge) with pride. One athlete, Leo, reflected, 

“I thought it was fantastic to learn about a game that means so much in New Zealand and get to play even though I have a disability.” 

The kaupapa (programme) came about after a kōrero between Ness and Pita from Tū Mātau Ora and Emma Mulhern from dsport. Together, they envisioned and developed a game that reflects the values of taonga tākaro and mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge), creating space for disabled athletes to connect through movement, culture and whakapapa.

Tū Mātau Ora set the scene before the game, grounding the players in the history of Ki-ō-Rahi, with its links to pre-European Māori traditions and the Māori Battalion. The game itself was fast, fierce and rich in meaning. “Ki-ō-Rahi is such a great game, and it was fantastic to see it played by wheelchair users,” said Mitch, dsport Wheelchair Rugby Manager. “Pita and Ness from Tū Mātau Ora were exceptional in their approach, collaborating with the team to ensure the game was inclusive and accessible. Their hands-on involvement made the experience empowering for everyone involved.”

Since that inaugural kēmu, dsport and Tū Mātau Ora have delivered inclusive taonga tākaro events across Aotearoa – including with the dsport youth group at Ākau Tangi Sports Centre, Naenae Primary School, the Halberg Foundation, Special Olympics and Sense Rugby. These events are helping to build deeper connections with whānau Māori, while opening up new ways for disabled tamariki and rangatahi to engage, play and lead.

The kaupapa continues to grow. Earlier this year, nonoke wheelchair Ki-ō-Rahi featured at the 2025 Halberg Games, a major milestone in recognising inclusive, culturally grounded sport at a national level.

Next steps for dsport include expanding partnerships and exploring inter-regional nonoke wheelchair Ki-ō-Rahi competitions.