Maori Cultural Activities

Kapa Haka

In its first year (2004) Tongariro established a very strong school-wide Kapa Haka group that participated to a high standard at the annual Tuwharetoa Festival in Taupo.

The basis of this success was the hard work of students, staff and professional tutors and the expertise developed in the schools Maori Performing Arts (M.P.A.) classes.

Maori Performing Arts classes receive their instruction in the schools Wharekura, Wharetoi and School Hall and are restricted to secondary level students.

Waka Kopapa

We are fortunate to be able to provide Waka Kopapa training to Year 5 – 15 students at our school this year.

Students, staff and tutors train three nights a week at Tokaanu and are working towards inter-school, regional and national competition. Riki Rameka travels down from Taupo to train our students and build up their confidence and expertise.

The school is fortunate to own three waka kopapa which are shared with Te Kura o Hirangi and the Sports Foundation.

Maori Performing Arts

The aim of MPA is to develop skills to enable students to work in the Maori Performing Arts realm. As a school we are able to provide programmes that reflect an appreciation of modern and traditional aspects of Maori Performing Arts.

Students have had the opportunity to study with following subjects in the 2004 course: Te Reo Maori Unit or Achievement Standards, Maori Performing Arts, Pangarau, Weaving and Tourism. Students completing the Year 1 Course will graduate and receive Te Waharoa (NCEA Level 1 equivalent and will be eligible to continue Maori Performing Arts Year 2 course, on which completion they will receive Te Ngutu Awa (NCEA Level 2 equivalent).

The Maori Performing Arts course encourages school and community performances as a regular part of the programme and commits to the annual Tuwharetoa Festival.