The Regional Secondary Schools’ Kapahaka Competition was held at Christchurch Boys’ High School on August 14th.

Te Rakiwhakaputa-Kaiapoi High School kapa stood with 26 students, two more than the minimum requirement, and over half of the students under the age of 16.

The bracket was dedicated to Aunty Pat Anglem, who passed away late in December 2019 and Uncle Jimmy Brennan, who passed during the first lockdown of 2020.

Te Rakiwhakaputa were privileged to practise at Tuahiwi Marae during the school holidays and also serve the kaumatua at the inaugural Matariki Dinner. This practice solidified the bracket and enhanced the wairua of the kapa, being in the papakāinga, surrounded by the tūpuna and given the blessing of the Taumata, the kapa felt blessed.

Whaea Danna asked her nephew, Mataia Paki, to compose an ode to Aunty Pat as Te Pou o Te Ao Marama, something to represent the enormous amount of respect and admiration we hold for her and her capacity to manaaki all within the whare kai of Tuahiwi Marae. This item won first place!

Whaea Danna and Mataia Paki also composed the waiata-a-ringa tribute for Uncle Jimmy, which incorporated many famous lines from his father Hori Brennan’s various compositions and also his ‘larger than life’ personality and flare.

We would like to take this moment to thank the efforts of the tutors. Mataia Paki, Kalib-Alan Kōkiri-Leach, Tohiariki Wikatene, Puhi TeAewa Robson and Destiny Robson. Mei kore ake koutou ka kore mātou e tū pākari ai i runga i te pāpā tū waewae.

And last, but not least, the tireless efforts of Whaea Danna, who year after year composes, choreographs, tutors and teachers. We are forever grateful. Tūāhuriri ki te rangi, Tūrākautahi ki te whenua! Ko au te tangata whenua HI!