What an amazing day we had at the Te Kāhui Ako o Te Kōhanga Moa Kapa Haka Festival!
Our tamariki absolutely shone on stage — full of energy, pride, and excitement from the moment we arrived.
You could see the smiles and feel the buzz as they waited for their turn to perform. For the past year, we’ve been heading to Inglewood Primary each week to practice kapa haka alongside the primary school kids and our wonderful kapa haka kaiako.
Those sessions have been such a highlight — lots of laughter, singing, and a real sense of teamwork as everyone learned the waiata and actions together. When the big moment came, our group stood tall and confident. As soon as the music started, they gave it everything — remembering every action, every word, and performing with so much pride.
t honestly gave us goosebumps! Their faces lit up the whole room. After performing, they didn’t just sit back — they clapped for their friends, cheered on other schools, and high-fived peers. They were just so happy to be part of it all. It was beautiful to see how much they’ve grown through kapa haka.
They’re not only learning te reo Māori and the meanings behind the songs, but also building confidence, focus, and a real sense of belonging. Every week they show perseverance, teamwork, and the joy that comes from being part of something bigger than themselves.
As teachers, we’re excited to keep that spark going — giving our tamariki more chances to learn new waiata, take on little leadership roles, and explore the stories behind the songs. We’d also love to keep involving whānau — singing together at home or sharing your own waiata with us helps deepen those special cultural connections.
Today was a celebration of unity, culture, and confidence — and we couldn’t be prouder of our amazing kapa haka group. They gave it their all and reminded us once again just how special it is to learn, perform, and celebrate together.
Ka mau te wehi, tamariki mā — you were incredible!