Whanau ties unite kapa haka group

“I just feel really proud and grateful that at the age of 72 I'm fit and well enough to be on the stage alongside my children and grandchildren.”

There's no shortage of achievers in the family— granddaughter Sarah has a degree from Waikato University in Maori media and teaches Maori part-time at EIT.

Hiraani has a degree in Early Childhood Education and Amokura has a diploma in Maori performing arts.

Niece Emily has a double degree in Maori and computing while granddaughter Rautangata has studied social work, wants to work with young people and to ‘Papa' she's the best mother in the world.

Whangai daughter Dalrae has worked for Kahurangi Dance Company for some time. Rautangata, Sarah and Aaliyah's mother, Moana, has also been in the group. She has a degree in natural medicines and is the manager of Health 2000 in Hastings.

Don himself has a diploma in tertiary teaching and gained his masters in Matauranga Maori (Maori knowledge) when he was 60.

Granddaughters Hinekota and Aaliyah, who attend Hukarere Girls' and St Joseph's Maori Girls' College respectively, are both interested in studying law.

Don doesn't have any immediate plans to slow down and intends to keep diving, performing kapa haka and working out at the gym.

“I'll shop ‘till I drop . . . I think the future is in my children's and mokopuna's hands.”