Leamington School boys. Photo – Michael Jeans.
The beauty of Maori culture was showcased, celebrated and enjoyed immensely by the local community last week when Cambridge students of all ages took to the stage for the Combined Cambridge Schools Kapa Haka Festival.
The 4th annual event on Tuesday, September 5 saw kapa haka groups from nine different schools put on an electrifying performance for the public. Cambridge High School Assistant Principal Marcel Kuijpers, one of the organisers of the event, said the standard of the performances on the night were extremely high. “Each and every student can be proud of the way they represented their schools,” said Mr Kuijpers.
Cambridge High School led a spectacular performance. Photo – Michael Jeans.
“There was clearly a lot of effort that went into each performance so a huge thanks needs to go to all of the students, whanau, teachers and tutors involved for making it such a fantastic night.
“There is obviously a lot of talent in our community when it comes to kapa haka and the audience were certainly treated to an awesome spectacle.”
A bake sale on the night, as well as gold coin entry, made for a total number of $1250 being raised for Kids Can.
“We would like to thank the public for coming in their hundreds to support the festival and for their generosity,” said Kuijpers.
Te Miro School performed in the festival for the first time this year, bringing the total number of schools taking part to a record of nine. These included Cambridge East Primary, Cambridge Primary, Leamington Primary, Tamahere School, Te Miro School, St Peter’s Catholic School, Cambridge Middle School, St Peter’s School and Cambridge High School.
“We will now look forward to seeing the same schools back in 2018 and any others who are keen to be a part of this great community event.”
St Peter’s Catholic School. Photo – Michael Jeans.
