Intermediate school kapa haka given a chance to shine

Fledgling kapa haka groups experienced the thrill of performing before a crowd of hundreds yesterday at the Inter-Intermediate Kapa Haka Festival.

For many of those who shone onstage it was the first time they had performed competitively outside of their own school communities.

Hosted by Peachgrove Intermediate the festival was set up last year in an attempt to raise the standard of intermediate kapa haka.

While events like the New Zealand Aims Games help intermediate school sports to thrive, there are not many similar occasions for kapa haka groups to come together and perform.

Helen Te Kiri, Deputy Principal of Peachgrove Intermediate, said the festival provided that sense of occasion for the kids, as well as a chance for them to stand tall in their culture.

She said this was integral to fostering confidence in the children so they may continue to express themselves through Maori performing arts.

“It is really important for their self-confidence, for their ability to stand on the stage and perform.

“They recognise they are valued for what they bring [to their culture] and how they bring their culture into their lifestyle.

“That’s the kaupapa behind it – to give that opportunity to perform and show their talents, to watch and enjoy one another, learn from one another and encourage.”

Sharon Karauna, one of the festival judges, said her purpose was to encourage the young performers to strive for excellence, but to also keep having fun at the same time.

“First points come for turning up and having fun. You can tell when they’ve made a mistake because their lips turn or their eyes roll.

“But then they smile along with it too.”

Kapa haka was not the only cultural experience for those who packed in to Peachgrove Intermediate. The crowd was also entertained by Indian and Pasifika dance groups.

Te Kiri said the next step was to take an approach similar to the kapa haka festival in order to widen the base for all cultural performance, such as Indian and Pasifika.

“Again, there’s no real event for them apart from their own church groups or their own cultural community hub.

“At secondary level there is. But there’s nothing at our level to say ‘Hey, we’re learning, we want to have a go at performing too’.”

Te Awamutu Intermediate won the competition in the end.

Peachgrove Intermediate received the “gold” skill level standard while the “silver” standard went to Hamilton Junior High School.

The “bronze” standard was reached by both Matamata and Melville Intermediates.