E. Fa'i-So'oialo, Director of Lakeside Choir

Kia Ora koutou katoa, our Raukura Choir had an incredible experience performing at the 2025 Rotorua Lakeside Concert as a combined ‘Lakeside Choir’ with students from Rotorua Girls’ High School. Directed by Whaea Elisha, managed by Mr Hay and supported by Whaea Netina, the students worked hard in rehearsal weeks leading up to this event. On the day, they delivered two strong performances alongside Aotearoa music legends Russell Harrison, singing As by Stevie Wonder and their ‘Aunty’ (as she endearingly mentioned to the students to refer to her as!) Annie Crummer singing Language - one of Annie’s very own songs. We had some wonderful leadership shown throughout our time being at this event. This included Wayne Boynton-Rata, Sanele Motu, Harry Tamblyn, Darmian Graham, Taiaho Huia and Toby James. These young men were great support and role models amongst their fellow choir peers.

It was also wonderful to see our talented Raukura Old Boys take the stage - Baedyn Kiore following his amazing season last year as Frankie Vallie in our production Jersey Boys, and,  former Head Boy, Rawiri Waru who was in the band and is also a trustee of the Rotorua Lakeside Committee.  A group of our Tai Mitchell Hostel boys also helped on the night as ushers which was great to see, supported by Ms Craven, Mrs Hay, Mrs Harvey and Mr Enright. On and off stage the boys represented our kura with great pride and showed great manaakitanga in being there for our Rotorua community. A massive shout out goes to the Rotorua Lakeside committee for having us, and, special mention to Ian Edward, another well respected Old Boy, who is the Patron of the Rotorua Lakeside Committee.