This year is the final Cultural Festival event in Christchurch. The festival has been running for around 40 years, so we were very pleased to be able to take part in this last event.

Whaea Latoya has done an amazing job during the year tutoring our group in a shorter time than usual because of the disruptions.  Her skill and dedication to our tamariki resulted in our wonderful group giving a spectacular performance last night, looking and sounding very confident.  Tu meke - awesome work Whaea! Your mahi with our group is something to be proud of!

Supporting our Kapa Haka group has been a real team effort at Belfast School.  Kris Barrow and Judith Short took the main lead with the group during the year co-ordinating with Latoya.  Behind the scenes there is a lot of work required with costumes both before, and at the event, that teachers step up to do.   Teachers are involved with supervising the children at the venue, helping them on stage, calming anyone feeling nervous, and making sure that everyone returns on time from last-minute bathroom visits!.   We also had staff as cheerleaders in the audience.    

A big thank you to all the students who participated for their commitment throughout the year.  Three of our students;  Carma Harris, Georgia Barratt, and Kingston Donnelly received Blues Awards for their kaiawhina  roles in leading and supporting younger or less experienced members of the group.  Ka mau te wehi!

We hope you enjoy watching this performance.