We were privileged to have Pumamao Brennan (Benji), Nicole Manawatu Brennan, Te Rakiamoa Brennan (T), and Henare Te Aika tutor our Kapa Haka rōpū for the Waitaha Secondary Schools’ Kapa Haka Regionals recently. This moment is also a full circle for tutors Benji and Nicole, who led this group 15 years ago, and now they’ve returned to guide, inspire, and bring their magic to a new generation of performers.
Kaiapoi High School Kapa Haka rōpū, is made up of rangatahi from Year 9 through to Year 13. These students have shown true dedication by training after school and even on their weekends for eleven weeks to perfect their performance.
Their bracket was a reflection of who they are and what they stand for, including a very special acknowledgement to Karanga Mai Young Parents’ College, which is proudly part of Kaiapoi High School.
Their performance does not stop at Regionals. The rōpū are now preparing for the Tuahiwi Matakura o Ruataniwha 2025 Event, held at Ohoka School Hall on Thursday, 4th September, and other community events a few weeks later.
Kapa Haka is open to all ākonga because it’s not just performance – it’s identity, language, wellbeing, personal, and leadership rolled into one.
Ēhara tāku toa i te toa takatahi, engari he toa takitini:
This translates to “Our strength is not made from us alone, but made from many”. It emphasizes that people are stronger when they work together and support each other, especially during unsettling or scary times.
