Junior Students from the Kapa haka group perform at the Oamaru Public Library in celebration of Maori Language Week.
Our thanks to their mentor, Mrs Eva Gregory-Hunt, and Mrs Sara Plunkett.
2013 marks the 30 year anniversary of girls at St Kevin’s
College when at the end of 1982 St Thomas’ closed its doors for the last time
and their students ventured into the College grounds.
In consultation with whanau and Papatipu Runaka ki Moeraki
students and staff at the College have been working towards supporting the
girls in learning the female part of the St Kevin’s College Haka. Girls being part of the haka is not new to
the College but a tradition that was lost for a time, although past pupils
recall their experience at St Kevin’s and performing the haka with the boys.
Contrary to popular belief the South Island Ngai Tahu have a
strong tradition of female involvement in Kapahaka. Their women have traditionally performed haka
alongside the men, and are often seen performing at many cultural gatherings
and sporting events. Men and women give
an impressive sense of whanau and community when they perform together, adding
to the richness of the occasion.
The College continues to evolve as the needs of our whanau
and community change and the inclusion of girls supporting their male
counterparts is a reflection of the co-educational aspect of life at St
Kevin’s.
St Kevin’s College is extremely grateful to Patrick and Nola
Tipa, Justin Tipa and David Higgins from Papatipu Runaka ki Moeraki for their
valued expertise in helping us to refine our haka and their ongoing support of
the College.
CLICK HERE to watch a clip from New Zealand v England – Women’s International
No comments:
Post a Comment