Each Whānau emerged on the scene with paintbrushes at the ready, heads stacked with ideas and a will to win the Whānau Arts trophy. The event took place a little earlier than previous years — some Whānau were still riled up from last year and wanted a taste of that good win.
In true PakWay fashion, the theme was announced and wasn’t quiet about its arrival; Broadway itself is never subpar or mediocre, so the teams had to create ideas that bounced off walls and caught the eyes of the judges. The draw was in, and the time was ticking.
Those who chose dance had to handpick choreography from famed Broadway musicals and put their own unique spin on them, creating a daring and avant-garde mashup of performances. They were judged on X-factor and competence. Looked like Nīkau and Mataī soared close enough to the sun to land dual 1st place!
It was one of two things for drama: a specific scene from a Broadway play or a funky and bold recap of said show business. Pōhutukawa delivered a stylish take on Mean Girls, with Mataī right behind them presenting a famed video of everybody’s favourite ogre. We were judged on the audience’s engagement and the structure and theme. But the one that took artistic vision to a whole new level was Tōtara, who yet again wowed us with their spark.
Songs were sung and hearts were stolen when it came to the band section of the night. The groups had been practising and were ready for their live performances, and were to be judged on X-factor and technical competence. Some of my personal favourites were Waving Through A Window, Greased Lightnin’, and Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now. Kauri came through with pizazz, and Mataī with their talent to steal the show for the night.
Our final category was Visual Art! The individual art piece would be predominantly judged on technical design. They were told to reach for the stars with this one. Tōtara delivered with a Heathers-style Playbill, and Nīkau’s Whānau Leaders were pictured having a nice ride through a performing arts-like town square. But Rimu snatched the crown with this one!
By the time the night had come to an end, the room had been painted with Whānau spirit, and we were all awaiting the title to be bestowed upon one of our famed Whānau for the year. And out came Nīkau on top! It was an unforgettable experience for me, as I made some new amigos and made a great memory with some old ones; I think we all share the same sentiment when I say I can’t wait for next year’s scene.
Writing by Cossar Salesa-Lee, Year 10
Photography by Shiv Gulati, Year 12
