As part of our Strategic Goal of "Culturally empowered ākonga", Kapa Haka continues as part of our whole school development of authentic practice in Te Ao Māori.

Through our strategic plan consultation during 2023, it was identified that we continue with developing our school community use of Te Reo Maori, and encourage an understanding of the tikanga associated with all things Maori. We value this as part of the New Zealand Curriculum and inherent in our school values.

In Term 4 of 2023, we started with our whole school learning through kapahaka as part of our whole school curriculum.

This year, each Friday both the senior school and the junior school will meet together for a 30 minute session when we can develop our skills together in this important part of being a New Zealander. The classes work with their buddy class to support each other in their learning. Staff and children are learning together.

Waiata and haka are being taught so that we can do these as a whole school together.

Kapa Haka

Kapa haka is the term for Māori performing arts — 
kapa = to form a line
haka = to dance. 

Kapa haka involves an emotional and powerful combination of song, dance and chanting. It is performed by groups on marae, at schools, and during special events and festivals. 

During a kapa haka performance, you could experience a range of compositions, from chants and choral singing to graceful action songs and ferocious war dances. Some performances even include skilled demonstrations of traditional weaponry.