KAPA HAKA at Waverley Park School

 

“Kapa haka is something that is truly embedded into the heart and soul of our Kura.”

 

From humble beginnings in 2007 with a group of 16 tamariki in the first WPS kapa haka, to present day (2024) where we have three different groups - Teina / Juniors, Tūwaenga / Middles, Tuakana / Seniors - with approx 90 tamariki in each group: kapa haka is something that is truly embedded into the heart and soul of our Kura.

This can be seen at the beginning of the year powhiri, where the whole school sings their hearts out in waiata tautoko to support our speakers. It can be heard as you walk around the school each morning and hear different waiata coming from different classes as they start their day. It can be felt when the whole school erupts into a spine-tingling haka to honour a long serving staff member; or  when the junior tamariki break out in song at their tables, whilst colouring in their pictures at writing time. It can be seen when a group of tuakana hold their own waiata jam sessions at lunch time in their classroom - accompanied by their own student guitarist; and it is certainly felt by guests when they get a heartfelt thank you accompanied by a waiata.

Murihiku Polyfest is an integral part of our school year. Since Murihiku Polyfest started in 2009, WPS Kapa Haka has been at every single one. Polyfest gives our kapa haka a pinnacle event to work towards each year. The buy-in and support from our kaiako, tamariki, whānau and wider community has contributed to this success - from the making of over 250 hand stitched headbands and waistbands, to the sewing bees to make uniforms; the poi making, the support we receive to dress and transport ninety children on three different days of Polyfest.

Kapa Haka is not just something that we do in the term leading up to Polyfest, it is something that runs all year round at WPS. In terms one, two, and three; each roopu - Teina, Tūwaenga, Tuakana - practice at their own set times, led by their Tutors and kaiako. In term 4, it is something that we get together and practice as a whole school in preparation for the powhiri at the beginning of the following year, and for the sheer joy of singing as a collective.

Each child at WPS, regardless of their own cultural background - Māori or non Māori - has the opportunity to be part of a kapa haka roopu, where they feel a sense of belonging, pride and connection to Aotearoa.

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, he toa takitini.”

Our strength is not as individuals, but as a collective.

 

Tutors / Kaiako in charge:

Teina / Junior Roopu - Wiki Burdon / Justine Marley / Jacqui Paulin

Tūwaenga / Middle Roopu - Kaytlin Tomlins

Tuakana / Senior Roopu - Raiha Johnson

 
Kapa Haka performance videos - Polyfest 2023

 

Junior Group  Middle Group

Senior Group

 

Te WIki o te reo Māori - Wā Tuku Reo Māori Challenge 2024

WPS - Entry

 

RESEARCH REPORT: 

NGĀ HUA A TĀNE RORERORE - THE BENEFITS OF KAPA HAKA

 

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