Columba and John McGlashan Colleges’ combined group Te Tira Haere o te Hahi competed at Te Hautoka, the biennial Otago and Southland kapa haka competition in Dunedin for the first time earlier this month.
John McGlashan College kaitataki tane (male leader) Jonty Ellis, 17, felt the group was beginning to come together this year.
"Instead of just individuals, we’re starting to find ourselves and our identities."
The kapa haka group was a great opportunity for students from both schools to embrace Maori tikanga.
"I find it’s a way to connect to my culture and to find my own identity in myself.
"I grew up not really in a Māori household, so I think it’s helping me find my way."
Columba College kaitataki wahine (female leader) Lula Joseph, 17, said the group’s first outing at Te Hautoka went well.
"It was definitely nerve-racking because it was both of our first times performing at regionals. But I think it ... was also excitement"
"In the leadup to Te Hautoka I had to learn a lot of things I’d never done before, especially with leading the group.
"I’ve got to talk to aunties back home and it’s been a really big part of improving myself as a person," she said.
Joining forces with the boys from John McGlashan made a big difference to the way her school performed kapa haka.
"Joining with the boys has allowed us to go further and become better and become what we are."
The group practised on Sundays under the guidance of tutors from John McGlashan (Elizabeth Clark and David Beazley) and Columba (Nick Price and Teresa Andrew).
Ms Clark said the group came about after last year’s Maori speech competition Ngā Manu Kōrero.
Tutors from the schools had supported each other in the past at other events and decided to work together.
She said external tutors Neihana Matiu and Ripeka Potiki were central to the group coming together, writing waiata, creating actions and dedicating hours of their time.
