At North Loburn School our Junior Team meet together each Friday to share together and enjoy waiata, expanding our Te Reo vocab and understanding around Te Ao Māori. It is a non threatening and fun way for both tamariki and kaiako to learn about Māori language and culture.

Our aims are to:

• enjoy a range of waiata in a fun and engaging way.

• have all tamariki participating in a relaxed and collaborative manner

• learn about the essential element of whanaungatanga, the importance of people and connectedness.

• spark curiosity about the Māori culture

• demonstrateTuakana Teina with older Juniors showing the Younger Juniors! We often get requests from the tamariki for favourite songs!

• expose our tamariki to music, memory of words and actions and develop rhythm

• try to link with our topic if possible

• lead into the more formal Kapa Haka of the Senior School

Our tamariki have found it is fun being part of a group. It has also provided our them with a platform for expression, giving them the opportunity to experience success, gain confidence through performance, show pride and step up as leaders and role models as they move through the school.

This year because of Covid-19 the senior has not been able to participate in the Christchurch festival but we are hoping we will be able to have an opportunity like this again next year. Usually, our seniors love demonstrating their skills to the wider public.