Kapa haka for Pah Homestead
Excitement is building for a kapa haka group from Monte Cecilia Catholic School.
‘‘I like performing in front of people because I feel a bit famous,’’ year 6 pupil Arthur Solomon-Mua says.
Students from the Mt Roskill school will perform as part of the Pah Homestead Community Day on September 24.
‘‘I like doing the leading part with my friends,’’ fellow pupil Etoale Fusitu’a says.
Monte Cecilia School year 5 and 6 teacher Ellyse Dunn says kapa haka is a great way for the students to learn te reo Maori and tikanga in a hands-on and interactive way.
‘‘It’s a chance for our students to really shine in a different area of school life and the students are always engaged and enjoying what they are doing.
‘‘More and more primary schools are getting told to push academics which is understandable, however I believe this is a great way for students to be kids - to sing, dance, laugh and learn all in one go.’’
The pupils love to perform to whanau and feel a sense of pride and mana when doing so, she says.
‘‘They enjoy being the centre of attention and showing those who care about them how much they have learnt.
‘‘As a teacher’s point of view I think it’s a wonderful learning experience for them as they are always buzzing afterwards,’’ Dunn says.
This year is the fifth anniversary of the Pah Homestead’s Community Day.
The event is a chance to celebrate the diverse creative community through a variety of family-friendly activities such as musical performances, exhibitions and entertainment.
Ella Kumar from the Puketapapa Local Board says the event is also a celebration of the heritage of the Pah Homestead and its 140-year history.
The Pah Homestead Community Day 2016 runs this Saturday, September 24 at 72 Hillsborough Rd from 10am till 3pm.
The Pah Homestead is a historic home located in the suburb of Hillsborough in Auckland and is owned by the Auckland Council.
The building and grounds are currently used as an art gallery and events venue.
For a full programme go tsbbankwallaceartscentre.org.nz. to