2021 has been an exciting year for Kapa Haka at Oxford Area School.

For the first time in our history, we have a senior boys and teachers Haka group. This group has now performed at two important events in the school calendar: the CASAFEST opening ceremony, together with the Kapa Haka group, and the Oxford Area School ANZAC service. Our next performance will be at the end of term assembly on Friday, July 9th in the GP Hall; so, come along and experience the wairua!

Another exciting aspect of 2021 is the numbers of students (Years 4-8) involved in the Kapa Haka group. Our roll is sitting at 55 students. 

We began the year by running weekly workshops to all the students in Years 4-8, with Matua Rihari teaching them songs and the Haka. (See above photo) Towards the end of the term, we then invited the students to join the Kapa Haka group and at present we have 55 students on the roll, resulting in us nearly running out of uniforms. 

Mrs Thompson is doing a stock take of our uniforms and making some new uniforms for us. If you are able to help with this please see Nerissa Thompson.  If you still have a uniform at home please return it to school before the end of term.

So far this year, the Kapa Haka group has performed:

-  Mihi Whakatau on the first day of school

-  the Oxford A & P Show on Easter Saturday

-  CASAFEST opening ceremony, alongside the Senior Haka group

Upcoming performances:

- End of Term 2 assembly on Friday Week 10

- CASA Kapa Haka Day, 25 August at Amuri Area School

- Ohoka Cultural Festival, 2 & 3 December, Ohoka School

Please note there is no longer a Christchurch Cultural Festival.

So, we are busy at our Wednesday practices getting ready for these events, learning songs, dance moves and poi! We all have a great time with our excellent Kaiako, Matua Rihari and our awesome tamariki.

Nga manaakitanga maha ki a koutou katoa

Richard Hines