Nau mai hoki mai :)

He mihi nunui ki a koutou.  Wow its been a busy start to 2015.

My first post is to acknowledge our wonderful senior Kapa Haka group last year.  Especially those who have started their journeys at high school.  A number of our students have asked for footage of their final performances together during our 2014 Prize givings, both Junior and Senior.

So this is for you seniors with much Aroha from myself, Mr G and your PES whānau x

People Leaders Day Performance @ Victoria Park Market

On Thursday 8th May 2014, our senior kapa haka group traveled to Victoria Park Market to perform for the 'People Leaders Day - Unleashing Potential' event run by Telecom.

We arrived on our luxury coach a little after 5.30pm.  The group were ushered to our changing room and began getting ready for our bracket.  Students were buzzing and excited to be performing outside of our school grounds.

The stage looked magnificent, illuminated by colourful lights and was dwarfed by an ancient Pohutukawa Tree.  This sight heightened the excitement of our students.  5 minutes before our start time, the heavens opened and down came the rain.

What started as a light shower soon turned into a downpour.  We rushed into the 'plan B' area, which was the market's car park.  The chaos didn't phase our wonderful students as they quickly repositioned themselves under the shelter of level one car park.  "Start now, start now" was the signal from Hannah, the event organiser.

The shelter acted as an amplifier and sent the beautiful voices of our group out towards and beyond the Victoria cricket grounds.  The managers from 120 different telecom retailers around NZ hovered around the performing group, enjoying the protection from the rain and the marvelous singing.

The group represented our school and community with kaha and dignity and were acknowledged for their efforts by Chris Quin who is the Chief Executive of Telecom Retail.  A generous koha was handed over from Mr Quin to our very own kaia Tyler-Marie and we are very grateful for both the opportunity for our students and the koha which will go towards whānau hui and Kapa Haka wānanga.

After the manuhiri tuārangi (distinguished guests) left, I could tell by students actions and faces, that the they experienced the pride of 'taonga tuku iho' (treasures passed down to us)  left by our Tupuna.  A wonderful experience for everyone involved - we are so proud of our students.  "Whaia kia eke' Strive to succeed!

New waiata for senior Kapa Haka - Hoea rā

For our first senior Kapa Haka session, students learned a new waiata written by their Kaiako Mr Gemmell.  Here's a movie of them learning the tune and kupu.  Check out the kupu and translation on the 'waiata' page.