Click the image above to view slideshowTe Puna's Maramatanga Park has been a hive of activity in the last two days as an approximate 8000 people turned out to celebrate the 21st Ra Whakangahau kapa haka event.
Kapa Haka groups from 38 schools from around the Western Bay of Plenty congregated at the grounds to perform and interact in a fun, entertaining and non-competitive environment, say organisers.
Students from 38 schools performed at the Ra Whakangahau kapa haka event in Te Puna.
This is the 21st time the event, started by former Te Puna School teacher Wiki Bidois more than two decades ago, has been held.
Event committee organiser Donna Motutere was part of the original committee that started the event back in 1992.
'The idea came from the teacher of the day – Wiki Bidois – and now it's been 21 years. She has actually organised an art exhibition in the rugby club today dedicated to two of our teachers that have passed on.”
Donna says the event has grown through the years with her two children participating in the first event, and her two grandchildren participating in this year's performance.
'This year we formed a Ra Whakangahau Trust as it was becoming hard for the schools to get the funding.
'This provides funding for future Ra Whakangahau so that it doesn't impact on the school funding itself.”
Donna believes the event is important for facilitating kapa haka in a non-competitive environment.
'We believe that kapa haka is to be enjoyed by everyone and there is so much emphasis on competition – but this is about enjoying it and having fun.”
Te Puna school teacher Rahira Ormsby says the committee has been planning the event since March and is thrilled with the turnout.
'We were expecting up to 8000 people. There are 46 groups performing from about 38 schools.”
'From the moment the powhiri started at 8.30am it has just been so busy, it's been wonderful all of the kapa haka going on.”
Rahira says whanau has pulled together providing food stalls at the park.
The whole Te Puna school performance marked the close of the event at 3pm today.
1 comment
Memorable
Posted on 16-11-2013 17:07 | By Dollie
It sure started well. There was a friendly atmosphere led by Te Puna School. Everyone knew what to do and did their part from the Maori Wardens, to teachers bringing their schools to watch, parents, students, food stalls. The only thing was that sometimes the childrens' voices were too loud on the sound system. Otherwise excellent weather with a well honed formula. So nice to see Pakeha children showcasing their learning with very able tutors. Well done Te Puna.
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