A group of ākonga from our kapa haka performance group had the fabulous opportunity of performing a waiata (song) at the opening ceremony on Wellington waterfront this week.

We are working this year with Kura Ahurea, which is the education section of Te Ātiawa, mana whenua in central Wellington. As mana whenua, Te Ātiawa facilitated the opening ceremony on Thursday, and they invited schools working with them to be part of this. 

Twenty six year 4-6 ākonga from our performance kapa haka group opted to be part of the ceremony, and they represented themselves and our kura wonderfully. It involved quite a long wait on the chilly waterfront, and then performing the waiata multiple times in front of an audience and a bank of cameras.  

We were tremendously proud of our tamariki, and we are really pleased that they had this amazing opportunity. Huge thanks to the parents and caregivers who helped out with transport and supervision, and particular thanks to Jemima, Natalie and Onaitta for the organisation and enthusiasm around the event. 

It was an amazing sight watching the three waka paddle into the harbour and around the Whairepo Lagoon. Below are some photos of the ceremony.

We hope many of you will be attending some of the FIFA games, as they promise to be really exciting.