In October, our Te Tai o Pakūranga students participated in the prestigious Te Ahurea Tino Rangatira 2023 kapa haka competition at Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae. For ten weeks, they practiced 16-20 hours a week under the expert leadership of tutors Matua Mauri Hohepa, Matua Jacob Ripley, Whaea Kiriana Hohepa and Matua Michael Long. Supported by Pakūranga College staff and an admin team of past Te Tai o Pakūranga members, they delivered a flawless 30 minute performance of waiata, haka and poi, especially written for the competition by the tutors, led by Kaitātaki Tāne, Boss Graham, and Kaitātaki Wahine, Ingrid Ioka.
One special performance was the dedication of a heartfelt waiata to Matua Nick Tuwhangai of Mōkai Kainga marae, with whom we share a long and special connection. Sadly, Matua Nick passed away last year, and the waiata-ā-ringa performed by our students beautifully captured his fun-loving nature, making it a true celebration of who he was to us.
Another highlight of the performance was the waiata tira, “E Ihowa,” a special gift to our rōpū by the talented singer/songwriter Rākai Whauwhau. A real highlight of the weekend was being welcomed back onto the marae after the competition by whānau and alumni – such a special time of connection.
Before the competition, our community came together for two Noho Marae experiences, focused on practice and preparation. The weekend of the competition, another Noho Marae united the team. Whānau arrived as early as 6am to support and stayed late. Special thanks to Whaea Tristen Tipene, Whaea Alyson Kahukiwa, and Whaea Kirsten Cresswell for their generous koha (gifts) and mahi (work). Their dedication and support have made these events unforgettable.
The amount of commitment, talent and hard work the whole team put into this campaign is amazing and it has been a delight to watch every person’s growth. Every one of our students performed with mana and expertise and made us so proud.
We would like to particularly thank Matua Jacob for his incredible commitment to the rōpū over the last two campaigns as he leaves us for a new post at Tamaki College. Aroha nui, Matua Jacob.
