On 24 of June, Aotearoa celebrated our first ever Matariki Public Holiday and Te Kaahu Pihopatanga celebrated Matariki with our second Kapa Haka Noho of the year.

Excitement was high as we settled into our seats to watch the movie Whina. This movie shares the inspirational life of Dame Whina Cooper who is most commonly known to most of us as Te whaea o te motu, mother of the nation. At the wonderful age of 79, Dame Whina led a peaceful hikoi from Te Hapua in the north to Parliament grounds, protesting against the sale of Maaori land. This movie highlighted the importance of honouring Te Tiriti partnerships and that, for this, we must individually and as a collective take responsibility.

We are privileged to have two new amazing haka tutors this year: Koka Kimaia and Matua Puka. During our noho, we spent time with our tutors learning new waiata, drilling the poi and adding choreography to our bracket. This is all in preparation for the Dio Whaanau Dinner that will be held during Week 7 of next term.

Ngaa Manu Koorero

Last Friday, a group of 20 students travelled to ngaa Manu Koorero Waikato regionals held in Te Kuiti where the amazing Olive Hapuku (Year 10) competed. Olive represented our Kura with mana with her korero about resilience. She competed in the Sir Turi Carroll section, which is a contest for years 9 and 10 Maaori students. The event was well-represented by Kura from all around Waikato who gathered to compete and tautoko their ākonga. Our ropu supported Olive with a waiata tautoko of E kui e piki a waiata honoring the Late Maaori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu. Congratulations Olive, we are super proud of you!