This years performances by both our junior and senior rōpū were definitely on par, if not better than past years efforts. Our tamariki train hard and achieve big and I'm sure that those of you who were able to be at the night show and then again at the next day shows would agree that our tamariki definitely stepped up. 

We are always grateful to our tutors, mostly our kaiako who have worked really hard to teach new skills, fix up old habits and have our tamariki singing in tune. This year Whaea Rachael mainly tutored the junior rōpū with support from the other junior kaiako. Whaea Rachael also organised new uniforms for the tamariki and didn't they look awesome!  We've even had some whānau ask if we would sell the t-shirts because they loved them so much! 

When Whaea Rachael broke her arm other kaiako and whānau members stepped up and took over to make sure that everything ran smoothly on the night. 

The junior cuteness factor is always a bit of a show stopper because often when our younger tamariki stand up on stage they tend to freeze in front of the audience. we are trying to get our tamariki more used to performing in front of groups to help them with their confidence. A massive thank you to all of our junior rōpū helpers for all pulling together a great show. 

This year our senior rōpū were tutored by Halle Pitama and Kalib Kokiri-Leech. Both still ākonga themselves at secondary school they were chosen because the have a passion for haka. With poise and excellence they both rose up to the challenge and really bought something special to our kura. The bracket was composed by local talent with both old and new waiata with Halle and Kalib composing a number of the items themselves. While they were tough on the kids they were awesome at getting the best out of their performers and pushing them to achieve at a high level. 

I was so impressed by their bracket this year that I had to share that I think it was the best bracket I had seen from Tuahiwi kids since by involvement with the kura. While there were a few hiccups from the team on the night show, their day show was almost perfect. 

A lot of work goes into preparing for the celebration so a massive thanks to the team of tutors, kaiako and whānau who really helped to bring the performance together on the day. 

As I said at the show there are many people who help in the background. Berniece worked tirelessly to answers emails, communicate with the different schools, fix problems, negotiate issues and then run around on the two days like our knives depended on it! haha. I think on day one I'd done 14k steps! We were competing for steps in the end. She did more than me but not much more! lol 

The ever trusty Kaharoa came through to MC with me during the night performance but Halle and Kalib really came through MC'ing the three day shows. Thank you to all of you as you make my job easier and more enjoyable. 

We had many positive remarks sent to kura and some really beautiful emails thanking us for everything we did but here is one we thought we would share with you all. 

On behalf of Redwood School, I would like to say thank you so much for including us in the North Canterbury Cultural Festival. Our tamariki loved performing, particularly our Juniors who found their voice on Tuesday :)

The organisation was superb - you made us feel welcomed and guided us to our places, ensuring we were ready in advance. It is clear that a great deal of work goes on behind the scenes.It was great to listen to other kura, in particular the Tuahiwi Seniors. They have inspired our tamariki to want to learn more.Please pass on our thanks to all concerned. We are very much looking forward to being part of the festival next year.