Taking part in the first Kelifest in two years was an absolute highlight of 2022!

Hosted by Kelston Intermediate School, Kelifest is a full day of cultural performances from regional school groups hosted by Kelston Intermediate School. Participants enjoy a full day of song, dance and food from around the world!

All three of our tamariki from the Kelston Intermediate Provision performed as part of their groups. These performances were the result of lots of practice throughout the year. Culture Groups met on Monday every week, but some also had practice after school and during the holidays as we led up to this event.

Diamond-Eve, a Year 7 village resident, performed in Kapa Haka. She led the first waiata, 'Matariki', in NZSL, with the whole group signing with her in the chorus. Seeing Māori Deafness celebrated and encouraged in such a powerful way was so beautiful. Her family travelled from Te Kuiti to watch this exceptional performance.

Tere'Ahohako, a Year 8 student, performed with Kelston Intermediate School's Tongan Culture Group. She performed a tauʻolunga with the other girls. Many family members came onto the stage to attach money to the performers to show appreciation for the dance and honour them. Later in the day, Tere was then able to do this for her niece, who performed as a part of the Kelston Primary School Tongan group.

Frank, who's in Year 8, participated in the Cook Islands Group last year but decided to use this year to learn about a different group that interested him and joined the Indian Group. The performance was a mix of traditional dances, funky Bollywood moves and a Dandiya stick dance.

When not performing, the students enjoyed food from the stalls, watched other performances and hung out with the students and staff members from the Kelston Boys High School Provision who visited in the afternoon. It was a wonderful day celebrating our diversity, especially the multitude of cultures represented in our Deaf community.