Whakarongo Mai Tamariki Mā

Supplies

• None (just space to stand and move around).

Steps

1. Gather players – All tamariki (children) stand in a line or spread out in front of the leader.

2. Leader calls – One player (the leader) stands at the front and calls out instructions starting with “Whakarongo mai tamariki mā!” (Listen children!).

3. Give an action – The leader then tells the group what to do. For example:

   • “Hīkoi!” (Walk)

   • “Oma!” (Run)

   • “Peke!” (Jump)

   • “Noho!” (Sit)

   • “Whakatū!” (Stand)

4. Players respond – The group must listen carefully and follow the action.

5. Trick element – Sometimes the leader calls out an action without first saying ‘Whakarongo mai tamariki mā!’. If this happens, players who move are out!

6. Keep playing – The game continues with the leader mixing fast and slow instructions, adding trick calls, until one player remains – they become the new leader.