Qualification for kapa haka nationals ‘still sinking in’
Broadgreen Intermediate had only just started celebrating placing in the regional primary schools kapa haka festival for the first time when the school learnt it was through to the national competition too.
The school’s kapa haka kaiako (tutor), Sela Manu, said she was amazed and proud when the school was called out at prizegiving at the Kia Hūkere te Hoe competition in Blenheim at the end of April.
“Third place was called out, and I was happy with that. Even that was just overwhelming.”
When Broadgreen Intermediate was named shortly after as a school representing the region at national competition, Te Mana Kuratahi, Manu didn’t believe it at first.
Only the top two rōpū/groups from the region had qualified for Te Mana Kuratahi in the past.
But an organiser confirmed to her the top three would now go through; a change reflecting the growing number of rōpū from the rohe (region) entering the competition, which had 13 primary schools participating this year.
Manu immediately got on the phone Broadgreen Intermediate, where most of the students had returned before prizegiving, to break the news.
“I had a little cry,” kaitātaki tāne (male leader of the group), Manuriki Wyllie, said.
“Just so proud of us.
“We weren’t expecting it and it came out of nowhere.”
Kapa haka meant a lot to him “because it’s what our tūpuna used to do”, he said.
“It’s been passed down from them to us, [we’ve] got to try and keep it going.”
Manu said the achievement was “still sinking in”.
“It’s history made for Broadgreen.”
The school for Year 7 and 8 students, aged 10 to 13, introduced a Māori medium unit five years ago, with all but four of the school’s kapa haka kaihaka (participants) this year from the unit.
80% of the the school’s rōpū, Te Kōhao o te Ngira, hadn’t done kapa haka before, with many of the intermediate’s feeder schools not having access to the performance art, Manu said.
With only 10 weeks to prepare, practice sessions were held twice a week and every other Saturday, culminating in full day practices through the Easter holidays.
Pronunciation of te reo Māori was a big focus, with learning at home required, she said.
The seven items in the group’s bracket were new to the school, with most of the waiata (songs) written and composed by Manu and her friend, Tom Alesana.
The kaihaka had been through a transformational journey, resulting in a “big achievement” for them.
Kaitātaki wāhine (female leader of the group) Jayms Kohu said remembering the words and movements in the bracket took a lot of work.
“There’s a lot of footwork into it … and your arms get really tired from wiri-ing.”
But kapa haka invoked ihi — the thrill or goosebumps felt during a powerful performance, she said.
“You feed off other people’s energy.”
Richmond kura Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tuia te Matangi came first at the regional competition.
Victory School’s group Te Rōpū Whakamanamana came second.
While the exact dates for Te Mana Kuratahi in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) next year weren’t yet known, participating schools were already turning their attention to fundraising.
Victory School would throw everything at it, principal Dan George said.
It was the first time Victory School had made the nationals in 16 years, with two groups from the school performing at the regional competition.
“We are excited about what’s to come,” George said.
“Nationals next year, and then our goal is to have four kapa haka rōpū ready for the next regionals; including a rōpū from Ngā Pua Matatini o Te Wairepo, our English Medium team.”
By Katie Townshend, Nelson Mail
This Post Has 0 Comments