Latest news with #KapaHaka
Scoop
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Pushing The Boundaries Of Creativity In Kapa Haka
Press Release – Rata Foundation Kapa haka is a vital expression of Mori identity, history, and culture. It has been passed down through generations and has evolved into a dynamic art form. Originating from traditional mteatea, haka, mau rkau, and poi, kapa haka has spiritual significance. When new rōpū Kōkō Tangiwai stormed to the front of the Waitaha region kapa haka competitions in 2024 they pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation to take out the top spot and earn their place at Te Matatini 2025. Kapa haka is a vital expression of Māori identity, history, and culture. It has been passed down through generations and has evolved into a dynamic art form. Originating from traditional mōteatea, haka, mau rākau, and poi, kapa haka has spiritual significance. Today, it thrives as both a cultural tradition and a modern artistic discipline, showcased in events like Te Matatini. Contemporary performers and composers are finding new ways to showcase kapa haka by integrating elements of theatre, modern music, and digital technology. Kapa Haka leader Junior Tana and his wife Kerrie-Anna formed Kōkō Tangiwai early in 2024 in response to the relatively small number of teams entering the Waitaha regional competition at the time. Junior says that kapa haka presents the perfect platform for developing an understanding of te reo Māori because all items performed are in te reo Māori. 'We are definitely focused on ensuring that performers know what they're singing about and, therefore, know how to portray the ideas and concepts within the compositions. 'The whole way we practice, and train together is like a kaupapa Māori framework. We karakia at the beginning of practices, we do whanaungatanga, and we allow our tamariki and rangatahi to be with us. We also spend time discussing different Māori concepts that are affecting us as a people at any given time. So yeah, there are lots of examples of where we can integrate te ao Māori into our practices and performances,' says Junior. Kōkō Tangiwai has over 70 people engaged in its kaupapa, including performers and the people who support the team with resourcing, cooking, teaching, and making the uniforms. Junior says there is a big whānau involved that embodies both unity and inclusiveness. 'Those relationships become really strong and tight. 'We have an open-door policy – anybody who's interested in learning or developing is welcome to come and at least see whether they like us or not.' Kapa haka is vital for preserving and reviving tikanga Māori, language, and traditions. It also fosters a sense of identity and ensures that tikanga Māori is passed down to future generations. Kōkō Tangiwai performer Rangimarie Pomare was inspired to join the rōpū after watching her older siblings doing kapa haka. 'The benefits of kapa haka, personally for me, is doing it with my family and my friends. Not a lot of people experience that in te ao Māori, so doing it with my older sister was such a pleasure. I've always grown up watching my older siblings doing kapa haka, so when it was my turn to get on the stage and doing it with her was very special to me.' Rangimarie says she is also doing it for her people. 'I know a lot of taiohi Māori are not confident in themselves when it comes to kapa haka. I'm just here as, like, a role model, you know, to say, like, you can do it. If you put in the work, you can get it done. People find it intimidating because they think it's a hard job to do. But if you practice, I think you could get it done easily.' Junior says that one barrier to participation can be the financial pressures on individuals and whānau to engage in kapa haka. 'One of our goals is to keep it accessible to all parts of the community – adults, rangatahi, and their families and children.' Rātā Foundation has supported Kōkō Tangiwai through its Participate funding priority, enabling a deeper understanding of tikanga Māori in arts, heritage, and traditional tākaro. Chief Executive Leighton Evans says, 'Kapa haka is vital in fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing cultural identity. It strengthens relationships within whānau, hapori, iwi, and hapū, deepening connections to te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori.' Junior says they have been fortunate to receive funding from Rātā. This means they do not have to charge kaihaka for uniforms or resources. 'Kākahu in this game are in the thousands – some of our piupiu can cost between $800 and $1600 apiece. So, receiving funding helps the group look professional and present well on the stage. It also supports the performers interested in mastering this art to make the kaupapa more accessible.' Performers put in hours of practice and learning – without guarantee of securing a final spot in the Te Matatini team. Junior says commitment and loyalty are probably the two currencies within kapa haka. 'Those who want to make the stage must put in the hours. You know, you've just got to rack up the hours. But it is achievable. It's like any sport – you can learn a skill, you can master the skill, and then you'll be the first pick.' It was the first time for many of the team performing at an event like Te Matatini. Junior says the experience was awe-inspiring and inspirational. To find out more, watch the Rātā Foundation is the South Island's most significant community investment fund, managing a pūtea (fund) of around $700 million. This enables Rātā to invest around $25 million per annum into its funding regions of Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and the Chatham Islands. Since its inception in 1988, Rātā has invested over $550 million through community investment programmes to empower people to thrive.
Scoop
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Pushing The Boundaries Of Creativity In Kapa Haka
When new rōpū Kōkō Tangiwai stormed to the front of the Waitaha region kapa haka competitions in 2024 they pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation to take out the top spot and earn their place at Te Matatini 2025. Kapa haka is a vital expression of Māori identity, history, and culture. It has been passed down through generations and has evolved into a dynamic art form. Originating from traditional mōteatea, haka, mau rākau, and poi, kapa haka has spiritual significance. Today, it thrives as both a cultural tradition and a modern artistic discipline, showcased in events like Te Matatini. Contemporary performers and composers are finding new ways to showcase kapa haka by integrating elements of theatre, modern music, and digital technology. Kapa Haka leader Junior Tana and his wife Kerrie-Anna formed Kōkō Tangiwai early in 2024 in response to the relatively small number of teams entering the Waitaha regional competition at the time. Junior says that kapa haka presents the perfect platform for developing an understanding of te reo Māori because all items performed are in te reo Māori. "We are definitely focused on ensuring that performers know what they're singing about and, therefore, know how to portray the ideas and concepts within the compositions. "The whole way we practice, and train together is like a kaupapa Māori framework. We karakia at the beginning of practices, we do whanaungatanga, and we allow our tamariki and rangatahi to be with us. We also spend time discussing different Māori concepts that are affecting us as a people at any given time. So yeah, there are lots of examples of where we can integrate te ao Māori into our practices and performances," says Junior. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading Kōkō Tangiwai has over 70 people engaged in its kaupapa, including performers and the people who support the team with resourcing, cooking, teaching, and making the uniforms. Junior says there is a big whānau involved that embodies both unity and inclusiveness. "Those relationships become really strong and tight. "We have an open-door policy - anybody who's interested in learning or developing is welcome to come and at least see whether they like us or not." Kapa haka is vital for preserving and reviving tikanga Māori, language, and traditions. It also fosters a sense of identity and ensures that tikanga Māori is passed down to future generations. Kōkō Tangiwai performer Rangimarie Pomare was inspired to join the rōpū after watching her older siblings doing kapa haka. "The benefits of kapa haka, personally for me, is doing it with my family and my friends. Not a lot of people experience that in te ao Māori, so doing it with my older sister was such a pleasure. I've always grown up watching my older siblings doing kapa haka, so when it was my turn to get on the stage and doing it with her was very special to me." Rangimarie says she is also doing it for her people. "I know a lot of taiohi Māori are not confident in themselves when it comes to kapa haka. I'm just here as, like, a role model, you know, to say, like, you can do it. If you put in the work, you can get it done. People find it intimidating because they think it's a hard job to do. But if you practice, I think you could get it done easily." Junior says that one barrier to participation can be the financial pressures on individuals and whānau to engage in kapa haka. "One of our goals is to keep it accessible to all parts of the community - adults, rangatahi, and their families and children." Rātā Foundation has supported Kōkō Tangiwai through its Participate funding priority, enabling a deeper understanding of tikanga Māori in arts, heritage, and traditional tākaro. Chief Executive Leighton Evans says, "Kapa haka is vital in fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing cultural identity. It strengthens relationships within whānau, hapori, iwi, and hapū, deepening connections to te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori." Junior says they have been fortunate to receive funding from Rātā. This means they do not have to charge kaihaka for uniforms or resources. "Kākahu in this game are in the thousands - some of our piupiu can cost between $800 and $1600 apiece. So, receiving funding helps the group look professional and present well on the stage. It also supports the performers interested in mastering this art to make the kaupapa more accessible." Performers put in hours of practice and learning - without guarantee of securing a final spot in the Te Matatini team. Junior says commitment and loyalty are probably the two currencies within kapa haka. "Those who want to make the stage must put in the hours. You know, you've just got to rack up the hours. But it is achievable. It's like any sport - you can learn a skill, you can master the skill, and then you'll be the first pick." It was the first time for many of the team performing at an event like Te Matatini. Junior says the experience was awe-inspiring and inspirational. To find out more, watch the Faces of Funding: Kōkō Tangiwai video. Rātā Foundation is the South Island's most significant community investment fund, managing a pūtea (fund) of around $700 million. This enables Rātā to invest around $25 million per annum into its funding regions of Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and the Chatham Islands. Since its inception in 1988, Rātā has invested over $550 million through community investment programmes to empower people to thrive.
1News
4 days ago
- Business
- 1News
Canterbury school sells 10,000 blocks of butter in fundraiser
A primary school in Canterbury has turned to the buttery bullion instead of fundraising favourites such as chocolate or cookies. Leithfield School Te Kura o Kowai, a primary school north of Christchurch has been selling 250 gram blocks of butter for $4. It's a bargain compared to some supermarket butter blocks that are more than $10 for 500 grams, depending on the brand. The school's principal Rob Cavanagh told RNZ the interest in the butter had been overwhelming over the past few weeks. "Our fundraising team thought it was going to be a bit of a small earner, maybe bring in a few a few dollars and sell a few 100 blocks of butter. But we got that one completely wrong and it's been super popular." ADVERTISEMENT He said it started after a parent in the school's fundraising team came across the Westland dairy fundraising page. "On there was just an opportunity to sell some butter and they thought, 'hey, let's give it a go and hopefully we'll sell a few blocks and bring in a little bit of money'." In total, the school has sold more than 10,000 blocks of butter. "It's turned into what we thought would be a minor operation into a rather large-scale logistical operation." Interest has come from as far as Hawke's Bay and the Bay of Plenty, from comments on their Facebook page. "[It's] well and truly out of the reach of our small team of volunteers in terms of the distribution here from school. It is a local thing for us, and we're pleased to know that there are lots of people in our local area that are taking up the opportunity and able to give a bit back to the school at the same time." From each block of butter sold, the school makes a dollar. The funds go into different aspects of the school, including subsidising some start of the year costs for families, he said. ADVERTISEMENT "We're bringing our stationery costs right down at the start of the year [and] we're able to help with the shortfall in costs for school camps. All of our camps happen in term 1 and we always have a bit of a shortfall when we come to taking the money from donations that come in and the board's operation funding. "We're purchasing new Kapa Haka uniforms for our senior Kapa haka group. We're sending some of our senior students on leadership opportunities and we're buying some resources for our new writing programme we're using this year as well." The school was selling butter until 5pm on May 30.
NZ Herald
19-05-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Cambridge house fire victim Nevaeh Ngamoki-Porter honoured with haka from Rototuna Junior High
Before the Year 10 student's tangi, her schoolmates gathered to perform a resounding and emotional haka as her body was driven by. Video taken by Nevaeh's mother, from inside the hearse carrying her body, showed the column of teenagers standing to attention along the roadside. Nevaeh's coffin was draped in a korowai (cloak) of blue, green, purple, white and black feathers. 'This send-off was done in my daughter's honour as she was quite popular within her school and wider parts of the Waikato,' her mother said. 'Thanks, Rototuna Junior High, for the haka tautoko for our sweet girl.' Nevaeh's school said: 'She was a vibrant soul with a deep passion for Kapa Haka and Te Reo Māori. 'Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she was a valued and spirited member of our Kapa Haka rōpū, Tuna Whakapeke and Raratuna. We will fondly remember her dedication and the joy she found in celebrating her culture. 'She will be dearly missed. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts and aroha are with her whānau and friends. 'We know that this loss is deeply felt by our students and staff. To support our school community, our whare, Te Tuuranga o Koura, is open as a space for us to gather, to grieve, and to process this profound loss together. 'Members of our counselling team, along with senior staff, are available to provide support and a listening ear to anyone who needs it.' When the first firefighters from Cambridge arrived at the Brennan Place property, the fire was well alight and Nevaeh was unaccounted for. Three people were inside at the time of the blaze - Nevaeh, her older sister, and her sister's partner, the Waikato Times reported. Firefighters entered the house to look for Naveah. She was carried out of the burning building badly injured and taken to hospital by ambulance. Police confirmed she was found by a volunteer firefighter who was an off-duty police officer. 'The teen was pulled to safety and crews provided immediate medical assistance,' a spokesman said. Fire investigator Kevin Holmes told the Waikato Times the blaze started in a bedroom. He said the cause had been identified, but would not be announced until the police probe was completed. The fire was not being treated as suspicious. Neighbours told the Waikato Times the fire spread quickly, while one recalled hearing calls for help from inside a granny flat attached to the property.
Scoop
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
$150K Slam Dunk: Titahi Bay School Scores Big With Covered Court Boost
Press Release – NZCT Beyond basketball, the canopy will support daily play, PE, Kapa Haka, and school events without disruption. New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded Titahi Bay School a $150,000 grant to build a Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) canopy over the school's basketball courts—ensuring students and the wider Porirua community can play, learn, and connect all year round. Titahi Bay School takes great pride in being a community-centred kura and has long been a beacon of community engagement, offering out of hours community access to the school's a pump track, turf field, and basketball courts. Principal Matthew Tilley says, 'Our basketball league brings together forty teams from Porirua and Tawa primary schools, creating a vibrant hub of community activity. Thanks to this generous NZCT grant, the new canopy will allow us to run the league year-round—rain or shine—giving our tamariki more opportunities to play, stay active, and develop their skills. Beyond basketball, the canopy will support daily play, PE, Kapa Haka, and school events without disruption. It also provides a welcoming space for the whole school to gather—offering shade in summer, shelter in winter, and a lasting symbol of the strength of community partnerships and our shared commitment to healthy, active lifestyles for generations to come.' Jacinta Kelleher, Head of Sport, adds 'A gymnasium is often not financially realistic for primary schools, so this canopy is the next best thing.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, adds, 'This project ticks all the boxes—sport, culture, learning, and connection—and we're thrilled to be part of it. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues Legends Bar, the Mariner, and the Sandbar Mana. Notes: Tītahi Bay School is nestled in the heart of Tītahi Bay, a short distance to the beach and harbour. They have New Entrants to Year 6 children and are a vibrant school which embraces the cultural traditions found within their diverse group of students. New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) is one of the largest gaming societies in New Zealand. In 23/24, NZCT awarded over $40 million in grants for a wide range of community services, including sports, rescue services, youth development, the Arts, and cultural activities. More on NZCT's grants programme, harm prevention approach, and partnership with hospitality venues throughout New Zealand.
