Whangaruru Kapa Haka Festival

Yesterday Hikurangi School went by bus down the winding 'Old Russell Road' to Whangaruru and assembled with  a large number of other local schools for a Kapa Haka festival. A Kapa Haka group is a Maori cultural performance group.The forecast rain didn't eventuate so we were treated to a warm sunny come overcast day. It was a day of song and dance and Hangi food.


Each school took turns in performing, supported by large contingents of Whanau and friends. The performances were polished and engaging.
It is great to see Maori culture and language integrated into the primary school system in such a natural and comprehensive way.

E tipu, e rea, mō ngā rā o tō ao; ko to ringaringa ki ngā rākau a te Pākehā hei oranga mō tō tinana; ko tō ngākau ki ngā taonga o ō tïpuna hei tikitiki mō tō māhunga. Ko tō wairua ki tō Atua, nāna nei ngā mea katoa.		Grow tender shoots for the days of your world. Turn your hand to the tools of the Pākehā for the wellbeing of your body. Turn your heart to the treasures of your ancestors as a crown for your head. Give your soul unto God the author of all things.

As a teacher and a Kiwi I look forward to the time that Te Reo Maori (Maori Language) is taught in all our schools.