Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom, there lived
four great houses. Each year these houses would
come together to compete in seven challenges in
the hopes of winning the great trophy of Patu. Each
challenge requires the houses to use special skills
and talents they have acquired over many years.
RATA HOUSE
The first trial undertaken by the houses tests their
swimming abilities, as swimming is a skill valued
highly in the kingdom and so each has to prove
their worth in this field. The second, a battle of
the physical, a challenge to prove which house is
fastest, strongest and toughest. The greatest minds
of each house come together in a battle to prove
their genius, creating the third challenge. The fourth,
a trial of cunning and deception where each house
has to prove that it can wear an actor’s mask, so
it’s true motives are never revealed. All houses are
given a chance to prove they have more mana than
the rest by creating a performance that illustrates
the history and culture of the kingdom, making up
the fifth challenge. The sport of touch was the most
popular sport of all the people in the land. To win
the trophy the houses would surely have to prove
their prowess in the game to earn the Patu. . The
final challenge of strength has yet to be fought. One
of the four great houses was called Rata. In the year
2013, every Ratanian competed bravely in all seven
challenges. They all demonstrated great confidence,
courage and intelligence, proving that one day, Rata
would once again rise up and win the trophy of
Patu. Through the perseverance and dedication of
these warriors, Rata was able to secure first place in
one of the challenges. In the second trial, Rata was
proven to be a house filled with great athletes who
had the abilities to beat the other houses in field and
track events. This was a wondrous day for the house
of Rata.
Throughout the year, Rata has enjoyed many
victories, but alas, we have suffered losses too.
Nevertheless, our Ratanians have always given it
their best, whether they were swimming, running,
making up improvised scenes on the spot or
singing the song of the kingdom loudly to show
our pride through Kapa Haka. Next year, we
are confident the house will be able to defeat
our three foes, and claim the Patu as ours once
again. But this year is not over yet, there still
remains one challenge to be fought. A test of
strength. As the house’s current elected leaders,
we hope that we are able to win this final test
and show the other houses what Rata is made
of. May Rata win the patu and retain it for many
years to come.
Matthew Garton and Molly Moore