On the 6th May a group of 24 students from Katikati College went to compete at the Pasifika By Nature Festival. Pasifika By Nature is a celebration of colour and culture featuring over 600 secondary school students from the Waikato and Bay Of Plenty regions. The festival was held at Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton.

The Katikati group performed a Tahitian Hula, Samoan Siva, Hawaiian Dance and the Tongan Tau Fakaniua (Boys Tongan Haka). We placed 9th, an amazing achievement for only our second time entering the competition.

Some parents and teachers went along to the festival to show their support and to encourage us to be strong and make our school proud.

Mr Carr said, “You guys looked so amazing and you’ve done a good job.”

We were so proud at the end of our performance. Mrs Vetekina Pekipaki and Whaea Helen Willacy, the two Pasifika Group teachers in charge, were so proud too. The Year 13 leaders, Katiloka Lutui and Daizy Frost, were happy with everyone’s performances.

We would like to thank Kalisi Tu’uholol’aki for helping out with the boys group. Although she isn’t in school anymore she still cares for us. Ana Ofa and Tina Kivalu also gave up their time to come in, teach us the hula and make costumes. Mrs Robyn Cameron gave up her time to help make the costumes, ably assisted by ‘Ofa Tuivai.

Ever Trying, Ever Onward, we have done the school proud!

Meleane Tonga and Elisindian Mika (Yr9)