At Burnside High School we are fortunate to have a wonderful Kapa haka team who gave up their lunchtime to visit two early childhood centres in our areas and perform waiata for them.

Many of the centres within our Kāhui Ako are learning about their physical place, and the cultural narrative of the area in which they are located so songs and stories about the area help them feel more connected.
The tamariki were so excited when our team of Andrea Maro, Zak McKellar, Aroha Paahi Goodman, Dev Pandya, Rerekiao Perenara-O’Connell and Jasmine Turner-Bartlett arrived at Kidsfirst Trengrove. Accompanied by Ms Paterson on the guitar, the students performed nga waiata of He Hōnore, Tūtira mai ngā iwi, Te Kura o Waimairi-iri and Oma rāpeti. The students were so interested in the ataahua waiata-ā-ringa. The tamariki, aged between two and four, responded with their own waiata. Our students were very impressed at the gusto and confidence in which they performed their song about Māori Gods and their role in nature.
The next centre, Best Start Wairakei were equally as enthusiastic about the arrival of our team and assembled outside in the sun. One little person eagerly explored the strings of the guitar. The Kapahaka team confidently led a very polished performance of which they should be very proud. They were very inspirational, not only for the tamariki, but the kaiako as well as we all learn about what connects ourselves to Hereora as an area, but our wider culture as New Zealanders too. Thanks so much to Whaea Amber, Whaea Tania and Ms Paterson for helping to arrange this valuable trip, and again to the talented and energetic kapa haka team for giving up their time and sharing their talent.