Despite funding woes, Whanganui’s Takitini Hauora - Kāhui Ako have put on another showcase of local and regional kapa haka talent, celebrating Puanga, the Māori New Year.
- Phoenix Manley-Green
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Despite funding challenges, Whanganui’s Takitini Hauora – Kāhui Ako recently brought the region to life, hosting a vibrant showcase of local kapa haka talent to celebrate Puanga, the Māori New Year.
Nearly 500 students from across the region gathered for a day packed with waiata, haka, and wānanga, marking a significant moment for mainstream schools to engage deeply with Māori culture.
For the event organizer, Manaia Ratana, the day was about more than just performance; it was about creating a shared space for the community. "He rangi whakahui i ngā kura o te rohe nei, kia whakanui tahi i te kaupapa o te tau hou Māori o Puanga, me te tika hoki kia whai wā ā tātau tamariki mokopuna i ngā kura auraki, tū ki te ātāmira ki te whakahua mai i a rātau," she explained.
Ratana also highlighted the personal growth the event fostered for participants, particularly those new to the stage. "Roa te wā e ngana au ki te whakariterite i āku kōhine mai i te kura Kareti Kōtiro o Whanganui ki te kuhu ki roto i ngā whakataetae kapa haka, he tino mataku rawa rātau ēngari mō tēnei kaupapa, ka whai wā rātau ki te whakapakari i a rātau anō ki te tū ki te ātāmira ā tōna wā."
For students like Peyton Hirini, the festival offered a meaningful connection to her identity. "I like kapa haka because it’s fun, it’s like a passion of mine that I’ve had since I was little," she shared.
Beyond the fun of performance, Hirini noted the deeper significance of the occasion: "Puanga is like the time to see the stars, same with Matariki and just letting go of people that have passed away."
The atmosphere of camaraderie was palpable, with older students and alumni returning to support the next generation.
Alijah Ngaronga, attending from Whanganui High School, was impressed by the talent on display. "My day’s been good watching all the kapa haka and really good, tino pai and yeah I thought they were really talented," he said.
For Ngaronga, the event was a welcome reunion: "Getting to see everyone that I haven’t seen in ages since I’m at a different school now, it just feels nice hanging out with all my friends."
Reflecting on the hard work of the educators who made the day possible, teacher Tomairangi Hipango emphasized the intergenerational nature of the knowledge being shared. "He kōrero kei roto, nā ngā tūpuna i tākoha mai ki au, ko tāku noa, ko tā te hunga kaiako noa he tākoha atu ki ngā rangatahi o ināianei," he said.
Hipango praised the initiative for providing a safe environment for students to try something new. "He rawe te whakatū a ngā kaiako i a rātau ākonga, ā, tēnei momo kaupapa tērā pea mō te nuinga o rātau he tūnga tuatahi, he wheako, he huarahi e tūwhera ai o rātau ngākau me o rātau whakaaro ki tēnei mea te waiata me te haka."
As Puanga continues to shine bright, the event served as a powerful reminder of the connection between the mountain and the sea, lighting the way for the youth of Whanganui.
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