Kapa haka 'empowering' students

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Kapa haka is taking centre stage in Kaikōura.

Students at Kaikōura High School have been practicing in earnest and learning a traditional Ngātu Kurī haka as they gear up for some kapa haka festivals over the next month.

Kapa haka is offered as part of the outreach to schools within the Kaikōura takiwā (territory) by Te Tai o Marokura, a marae-based social service, and Te Ahi Wairua, a kaupapa Māori service provider.

Te Tai o Marokura kaiwhakapuawai Rebecca Manawatu said kapa haka provided benefits to all students.

‘‘It does really empower the kids and it is a good self esteem builder and they all come from different cultures.

‘‘It is about making them proud of who they are.’’

Manawatu and her nieces visit schools and pre-schools all over the takiwā, including Seddon and Ward schools to the north, as well as schools in Kaikōura and the northern part of the Hurunui district.

Kaikōura High School and Te Kura o Hāpuku are gearing up for the Taiopenga Kapahaka Festival being held at Marlborough Girls’ College on October 24.

Te Kura o Hāpuku also joined the North Canterbury Kapahaka Festival in Rangiora for the first time last month.

Schools in the Kaikōura takiwā will be competing in the annual Takiwā Kapahaka Festival being held in the Kaikōura Memorial Hall on November 28.

The schools include Te Kura o Hāpuku, St Joseph’s (Kaikōura), Kaikōura Primary, Hanmer Springs, Amuri Area, Waiau, Rotherham, Ward and Seddon schools.

Kaikōura High School’s kapa haka group will perform while the judges are deliberating.

The students also have the chance to join a mass Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura kapa haka during a Hui-a-Iwi showcase, which will be held as part of the Ngāi Tahu hui being hosted by Kaikōura from November 22 to 24.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.