Schools at kapa haka nationals
By placing fifth and sixth respectively in the Manawatu¯ Primary Schools Kowhiri Tika Mai primary schools kapa haka competition in late 2018 two schools from Dannevirke Huia Range and Te Kura Kaupapa Ma¯ ori o Tamaki nui a Rua qualified for the national finals Te Mana Kuratahi held in Hamilton November 3-8.
While they did not place, both schools performed with pride, passion and energy and thoroughly enjoyed their experiences.
Kapa Haka leader Wharemako Paewai spoke for Te Kura.
“Nga¯ mihi nui ki a koutou.
“Tini whetu¯ ki te rangi, nga¯ uri o Ta¯ ne Rore ki te papa tu¯ waewae! Kei aku whakateitei ki te whenua, aku whakatamarahi ki te rangi, te¯ nei mihi atu ki a koutou i kaha tautoko i ta¯ ma¯ tou kaupapa nui whakahirahira! E kore e a¯ rikarika nga¯ mihi ki a koutou e hika ma¯ !
“As the myriads of stars in the sky, so are the descendants of Ta¯ ne-rore on the stage.
“To all our esteemed and noble friends, we humbly thank you for supporting our beautiful event. Our appreciation will never cease.
“This was truly a celebration of achievement for our tamariki of Tamaki Nui a Rua and what an experience our tamariki have had. It was a stepping stone in helping set the pathway for them, exposing them to reach a national level and to seek higher achievement in performing arts with kapa haka being a key vessel for them to do so.
“It also assisted with the intergenerational transmission of the Ma¯ ori language, in turn encouraging
Ma¯ ori language longevity, sustainability and future proofing. This haerenga positively contributed towards the leadership skills of each tauira and enhanced the overall holistic wellbeing of every student that attended.”
“What an amazing adventure and experience for our children at Te Mana Kuratahi,” Principal of Huia Range School Robyn Forsyth said.
“I have had many positive and complementary comments, texts and emails from family, friends, community members and local principals in regard to the performance they were able to watch on Monday morning.
“Our tamariki performed with pride and confidence during their session and strongly represented our school.
“We were privileged to be able to stay and watch Te Kura Kaupapa Ma¯ ori o Tamaki Nui a Rua compete on Tuesday morning and really enjoyed the experience.
“It was humbling to be part of this amazing experience with our tamariki and incredible to be part of a small town like Dannevirke being able to field two teams that performed so well at a national level.”
The next national competition is in 2021 and to be able to compete schools must attend regionals next year and be placed in the top six to qualify.
Both the local school groups will perform at Huia Range Hall at 6pm on November 28.