Te Kura o Te Teko students made local police work for their win at a recent friendly touch rugby game, which aimed to bring a little light to the community.

Games of touch between police and the school’s senior students is not a new concept.

They started a decade ago by a senior police officer who wanted to build positive relationships between the community and police.

The annual games lapsed for a few years due to the pandemic, but were brought back this year by police who thought Te Teko kids could do with a fun challenge.

And the kids almost took bragging rights, too.

Police ran away with the first half, finishing it with about 6 points to the school’s 3

The year 7 and 8 students pulled out some slick moves after a half-time rev up to humble the police.

They found some gaps between police players to bring the score to 6-all with a minute to go.

That was when soccer star Sinead Doherty received a good pass from Adam Keno down the side to seal the deal with one last try to secure police the single-point win.

Te Teko constable and local Don Te Maipi was keen to get the games started again after they lapsed a few years ago.

“Majority of the time when we visit our smaller communities it’s for an adverse reason. This was a time where we could share some banter with the tamariki, have a laugh and be laughed at.

“I’m all for anything to promote positivity in the community.”

The students went home with a full belly thanks to a sausage sizzle  police had running throughout the day, and some nifty footwork by student Te Koha Hunia earned him player of the day.

“It was a good day had by everyone,” Mr Te Maipi said.

“It’s just good to show the whanau in our community that we’re not just cops; we’re people of the community as well, we like to get involved with our communities, and we like to help them thrive.”

Te Kura o Te Teko tumuaki (principal) Kiri Henry said the students enjoyed the competitive aspect of the game – and the potential to win against some adults.

They did not have much time to prepare for the game, but she thought the students gave the police a good challenge.

“They gave it their all and they enjoyed themselves. That’s all that matters.”

Ms Henry said the annual touch match was a good way for children to engage with police in a friendly, informal setting that allows them to talk normally and helps to break down any fears that may exist.

“It’s a positive way the police force can come into the community and have a friendly game of touch.

“It has become something that we try and do every year.”