On Thursday the 29th of October, the Oaklands te kura o Ōwaka Kapa Haka group performed at Christchurch Arena.

This year has been a bit of a rollercoaster, and it has been no different for the senior Kapa Haka group. We started the year with our usual preparation for the Cultural Festival, only to have it cancelled due to the extended lockdown and Covid-19 restrictions. 

Then suddenly....a small window of opportunity came knocking as they prepared the lockdown to be lifted, and just as fast as it was cancelled,  it was back on. We had 10 weeks to prepare for a nine and a half minute performance on stage, with a Hall which would soon be soon out of use due to our rebuild. 

Fast forward to the 29th of October, 2020.....The final Cultural Festival that Christchurch would see at Christchurch Arena. 

Our students were amazing on the night, they performed with whakahī (Pride), aroha (Love), and mana (Charisma) demonstrating what it means to be a student at Oaklands te kura o Ōwaka. How fitting was it that Oaklands te kura o Ōwaka (A long time consistent performer) would be one of the final schools that would embrace the stage, and sing a beautiful himene, which would conclude the final night of performances in a 38 year history. 

I know that on the night, Rebecca and myself felt just as nervous (an excited nervousness) to watch our beautiful rōpū step on stage and show Christchurch who we are, and what Oaklands te kura o Ōwaka is about. Boy, did they deliver, they delivered a performance that would be remembered for years to come, in their beautiful brand new uniforms. We are so proud to have worked with this group and feel privileged to mentor them, especially this year, along this rollercoaster!

Please enjoy the backstage photos that were taken on the night and make sure you watch the video!

Ngā mihi

Bryan and Rebecca