Mita Mohi

Mita Hikairo Mohi MBE JP (born 1938/1939) is a New Zealand exponent and teacher of the art of traditional Māori weaponry and a former rugby league player who represented his country at the 1972 World Cup.

Early life

Mohi was born c.1939 of Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Rangiwewehi and Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent. As a child he learned the use of the taiaha from his father. Mohi's early working life was spent as a train driver for New Zealand Railways.

Rugby league career

Mohi played for the Marist-Western club in the Canterbury Rugby League competition. He represented Canterbury, New Zealand Māori, the Southern Zone and the South Island. In 1962 Mohi was part of the Canterbury side that defeated Auckland 16–13 to win the Northern Union Cup.

Mohi was selected for the New Zealand Kiwis squad in the 1972 World Cup. His first, and only, test match was against France. Mohi injured his calf muscle while performing the haka and had to be replaced. Mohi also played in two other games for New Zealand while in Britain.