We are excited to announce that his term our Year 3-6 classes started Kapa Haka!

Earlier this term Years 3-6 classes were introduced to Keira Williams who has very kindly offered to come in once a week to give our tamariki an opportunity to experience Kapa Haka. Keira is a Year 13 student who has a lot of experience in Kapa Haka. We are so lucky to have her!

Keira's pepeha:

Ko Mauao te Maunga

Ko Tauranga te Moana

Ko Mataatua te Waka

Ko Ngai Te Rangi te iwi

Ko Ngati Tapu raua ko Ngai Tauwhao oku hapu

Ko Otawhiwhi raua ko Waikari oku Marae

Ko Matapihi oku Turangawaewae.

Ko au ko toku ao Māori , ko toku ao Māori ko au.

Each term different teams will participate in the sessions so all tamariki will get an opportunity to learn and perform waiata and haka from our region. Not only are the students learning, but so too are the teachers. He waka eke noa - we are in this together!

On Mondays Keira leads two groups across the afternoon. First up are Rooms 5, 6 & 7 followed by Rooms 13, 14 & 15. So far the Kapa Haka groups have learnt to sing Tauranga Moana and are refining their actions. They are also learning a local haka that is usually performed to welcome visitors. We are even learning our own welcome song.

Next term other classes will get the chance to join Keira for Kapa Haka. We are thrilled that we are able to offer this to all students so they can build up a repertoire of local waiata and haka and also feel a sense of belonging. 

Here is what some of our students had to say about Kapa Haka with Keira:

Aiden: I like doing the 'pukana' at the end - it's the best bit.

Marino: I like doing the 'wiri' - it's fun to do when you are doing the actions. We do different poses and shake our hands. We also get to move and do the 'hope'.

Skylah: I like doing the pukana face.

Asha: I like Tauranga Moana because it has a lot of skill in it like actions. We do a competition to see who sings the best.

Ruan: I like how Keira is always positive. Kapa Haka improves my Māori and I want to learn lots of languages. Kapa Haka helps us with our te reo Maori.

Mischa: Keira inspires us to do Kapa Haka because she has been doing it since she was in kindy. She knows all the moves and it is smooth. She has a strong voice. The boys take the pukana seriously.

Siani: Keira is kind-hearted and is always nice to people. It is cool that she is teaching us things that she learnt. Kapa Haka is cool.

Special thanks to Keira for making this possible at our kura. Ka mau te wehi! Awesome!