August 3rd marked a very important day for Te Waipapa o Ao Tawhiti - the newly formed kapa haka group that is a combination of students from Hagley College and Ao Tawhiti.

In an incredibly fast-paced 12 weeks, with the support of many, Te Waipapa o Ao Tawhiti was incredibly proud to get up and represent our kura at the Waitaha Regional Competitions. We had wonderful representation from our Kaitātaki Wahine, Justice Karena Tutapu, our Kaitātaki Tane, Anekin Monks and our Kaikōrero Tarawhai Huffam-Mutu who lead our show with mana and grace. The process of pulling together our set and our rōpū has been action-packed with plenty of laughter and a few tears, but our rangatahi have shown dedication and commitment, giving up many weekends, holidays, lunch breaks and afternoons to make this happen. Our set was composed thoughtfully with consideration given to the tragic events of March 15 with our Whakaeke talking about moving forward and healing. Our waiata-a-ringa, often bringing the group to tears, is a dedication to Wharehuia Milroy, a well-respected Kaumatua instrumental in revitalising Te Reo and developing Te Taura Whiri o Te Reo Māori.

Initially formed by Chantelle and Marlene (Ao Tawhiti), we had an amazing set composed and choreographed by Matatini performers, Matapaepae Urwin and Bobby-Lee Waru, who travelled from Taranaki three times over the 12 weeks to teach their amazing mahi. Alongside their work we had support and tutelage from James-Dylan Urwin and support on guitar from Tahu Hikuroa, Rihari Walker and Rongomai Callaghan. Uniforms were co-designed by Vicki at the Hagley School of Fashion, Leoni from Marketing, and Chantelle, and our beautiful tohu was created by Oriwa, a Hagley student. Finishing touches were pulled together by our chief supporters, Phyllis and Rongomai Callaghan, right up to the early hours on the day of the competition, and the wonderful Taukamo whānau who presented us an amazing koha of the skirts underneath our taupaki the week of the competitions.

Whānau has been instrumental in bringing our rōpū together, with their endless tautoko, tolerance for all the loose ends being pulled together in such a short time, transporting our rangatahi, cooking on noho and the list goes on. A huge mihi to our wonderful Hagley management team who have been so encouraging and supportive to help make this happen. The most valuable lesson throughout this process has been the rangatahi learning their strengths and how much they could teach each other; the emerging of a Whānau around the team with the unbreakable bonds that have developed, and the sense of Mana helping our kids walk around with their heads a little higher. Our journey has only just started, and we look forward to taking on future challenges.