As part of our Matariki celebrations, Sancta Maria College came together as a whole kura for our first-ever Kapa Haka House Whakataetae, held on the school turf.
Throughout Term Two, all four houses — Akaroa, Hokianga, Kororāreka, and Waitematā — worked hard in preparation, practising during Navigation classes under the guidance of our Kapa Haka student leaders and House Prefects. Every student was encouraged to learn the lyrics and actions so they could perform with confidence and mana-pride alongside their house.
Our special guest judges — Courtenay Kilpatrick, Jonarren Ngan Woo Pulevaka, and PJ Afamasaga — had a tough task as each house gave their all to their performance. Hokianga claimed the inaugural title of first place, followed closely by Waitematā in second place, with Kororāreka and Akaroa finishing third and fourth.
The competition was a powerful display of each house’s effort and Kotahitanga-unity, with every group bringing its own energy and interpretation to the haka. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with Te Ao Māori, celebrate our school spirit, and deepen our understanding of the significance of haka. Most importantly, it strengthened the bonds within our houses and across our kura.
