Tokoroa crowned top Pacific school in Waikato/Bay of Plenty
Tokoroa High School’s Puna Vai Ora have been crowned overall winners of Pasifika by Nature in Hamilton.
The colours of the Pacific were on show as Tokoroa High School’s Puna Vai Ora were crowned the overall winners of the Pasifika by Nature event last weekend.
Secondary schools from around the Waikato and Bay of Plenty gathered at Hamilton’s Founders Theatre as they celebrated their Pacific heritage through traditional songs and dance.
Long serving Tokoroa High tutor Moana Tiaki credited the support of the local community while highlighting that the school’s contribution with the help of extra funding played a crucial part in their achievement.
“The school’s input is the most important.”
“When your school backs you, the job is heaps easier. So we had the resources, all the resources that we needed.”
It is the third title in recent years for the school which in 2012 saw a large number of students participating, wanting to showcase their talents but also their culture.
“This is the biggest team we’ve ever had,” Moana Tiaki said.
“The kids themselves have the ability to sing, dance, play all the drums and perform at the same time, and continue to learn more about culture and performing.”
Principal Willie Ford was proud of the students’ efforts and the result was reward for the hours put into practice. He felt that Puna Vai Ora had brought the strong Pacific island community together in the small timber town.
“They (students) certainly worked hard. Very proud of them, very proud of their efforts and families who came and supported…It helped draw a lot of our community together.”
“It’s awesome. I think it is acknowledgement of their hard work and effort.”
Pasifika by Nature was previously a Polynesian festival that began in 1998. It had been organised by community workers, leaders, volunteers and tutors of participating schools until the Pasifika by Nature Trust was established in 2007.
