Anchorage Park School’s Kapa Haka Team Wins Prestigious Award

Young performers from the Kapa Haka group at Anchorage Park School in Pakuranga have achieved a significant milestone by winning the highly esteemed Nani Nellie Kirkwood Taonga Tuku Iho at the recent Te Kōtuku Cultural Festival. This event, held at Ruapotaka Marae in Glen Innes, Auckland, celebrated cultural diversity and unity among schools.

The festival, which took place on October 14, 2023, attracted more than 700 students from 16 schools across the region. Principal Tracy Leader expressed immense pride in her students, noting that the Kapa Haka group, comprising 21 participants, performed with remarkable confidence and energy, especially considering it was their inaugural participation in the festival.

Tracy Leader highlighted the dedication and commitment demonstrated by the students, who practiced weekly during lunch throughout the year. “Their performance was powerful and showcased their talent against larger groups,” she remarked. The group’s success is not only a reflection of their hard work but also of the creativity and guidance provided by their instructor, Whaea Pare, who composed all original items for the performance.

The theme of this year’s festival, “Rāhiri mai te ao” or “Welcoming the World,” set the stage for a vibrant display of cultural expression. According to Leader, the school’s performance was infused with elements that reflected their local community and aligned with the school’s whakatauki, “kia pono, kia kaha, kia whakakotahi,” which translates to “let us be honest, let us be brave, so we can all unite.”

The beautiful trophy, awarded by the kaumatua of Ruapotaka Marae, will be displayed at Anchorage Park School until the next Te Kōtuku Cultural Festival, serving as a reminder of the group’s outstanding achievement. “This is an amazing accomplishment, and we couldn’t be prouder of our tamariki,” Leader concluded.

The success of the Kapa Haka team not only highlights the importance of cultural engagement in education but also fosters a sense of pride and unity within the school community. The recognition from the Te Kōtuku Cultural Festival underscores the vital role that cultural celebrations play in promoting diversity and encouraging young students to embrace their heritage.