Research is underway to find out if Te Reo and Maori protocols can be learnt from popular ball game Ki-o-Rahi.
A Master's student from the University of Canterbury, Heperi Harris, says the sport's combination of the Maori language, legend and fitness make it an effective teaching tool.
Mr Harris says he hopes his research will encourage sporting organisations and the Government to offer more support for the game.
One story behind its origin comes from a legend of a man who travelled through different challenges and fields to try and save his wife, Tiarakurapakewai, from the tricky patupaiarehe (fairy people) who made their homes in forests.