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Nga Taonga Takaro
Maori Sports and Games
by Harko Brown
Penguin Group, 2008, softcover, 112pp

Maori Games were an important part of traditional Maori society.  They were used to transfer skills and techniques from playgrounds to battlefields, to promote learning (wananga), to problem-solve everyday situations, and to pass on values and intellect from one generation to the next.

In Nga Taonga Takaro, Harko Brown writes about the revival of more than 20 ancient games and sports of the Maori - including poi, stick games, kites, ball games, memory games, board games, and many more.  He traces the history and legend behind each game, and gives clear instructions on how to play, the rules of the game, and how to create the equipment needed.  The games are illustrated with action colour photographs throughtout, to enhance readers' understanding of these indigenous sports.

Harko Brown has been guided and assisted by many respected elders and pragmatists during a lifetime immersed in traditional games lore.  He runs workshops and lectures on Maori games and sports in New Zealand and around the world.

This would be a great book for teachers worldwide who want to teach children or adults the games of other countries and cultures.  It's an excellent opportunity to enthuse the participants with a new game, and to teach new skills, whilst keeping kids active.

One Maori game in particular is enjoying a resurgence - Ki-o-rahi.  Several pages in the book are dedicated to explaining its history and how to play it.  Tapu ae ( or tapuwae) also looks particularly interesting.