Once a week, a group of eight He Waka Kōtuia members head out to local primary schools, to tutor students in Kapa Haka through Te Heretaura mentoring programme.

I accompanied Ché Arekatera Te Ra to Balaclava School to see the programme in action. The 40 Year 4-6 students were a captive audience as Ché led them through actions and the correct pronunciation of Waiata, explaining the meaning of the words. “The outlook for Te Reo is looking good because of people like you,” he told the students. 

 Balaclava School Principal, Gary Marsh has been watching Ché’s progress as a teacher. “He’s got it,” Marsh said. “The kids really respect him. You can tell.” The other students involved in Te Heretaura are Taumana Pene, Watene Edwards-Webb, Campbell Landrebe, Charlie Clough, Anthony Munro, Nukuroa McLean and Te Kahurangi McLean.