Pupils in kapa haka, waiata event

The Hay House boys get physical. Photos by Christina McDonald.
The Hay House boys get physical. Photos by Christina McDonald.
Duncan House begin their performance.
Duncan House begin their performance.
Arthur House boys perform.
Arthur House boys perform.
The beginning of McKenzie House's performance.
The beginning of McKenzie House's performance.

Having practised during their break times since the start of term three, 293 Wakatipu High School pupils took to the stage in a house kapa haka and waiata event on Friday.

At the sound of a conch shell, amplified with the help of a microphone, each house filed on to a stage in the school gym watched by fellow pupils, teachers, parents and guests.

The event was energetic and the faces fierce, making the judges' job of choosing a winner from the five houses difficult.

A hand-carved trophy, which was first presented at the event last year, was handed to this year's winner, McKenzie House.

Before the trophy's presentation the pupils were acknowledged for embracing Maori culture and what it truly meant to be part of a bicultural nation.

The event was not so much a competition, but an "integration into another culture".

A group of technology-minded pupils saw the event as an opportunity to raise money for the school and are producing a DVD of the event. All profits from sales will go to the school.

McKenzie House member Jess Reid (18) said the event provided a cultural element which "you don't really get in classes".

"It's definitely something that should be continued."

Fellow McKenzie House member Sam Speight (18) said practices began about six weeks ago during breaks.

"And the last week we have just been pushing it."

 

 

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