Kapa Haka

Te Roopu Puke Taumata is a celebration of Te reo Maori, tikanga, and waiata. The purpose of the roopu (group) is for children to learn more about and enjoy Maori culture and the people of Aotearoa no matter what their personal cultural heritage. Te Kura O Puke Taumata (Hilltop School) has a kapa haka that has grown stronger over recent years. Due to our desire that tamariki to learn at their own level we have split into senior and junior roopu, who come together to share and learn from each other. The whanau roopu is made up of the whanau of the tamariki involved and is essential to the purpose of kapa haka. We strongly encourage whanau involvement at every level and wish to learn from our Tuwharetoa whanau.

Mahi Tahi/Working together.

Being part of the roopu means committing to weekly 45 minute sessions on a Wednesday from 2.15pm, depending on teacher availability. The children are notified through the daily student notices. It also requires the tamariki to spend their own time practising during breaks prior to special performances. These performances could be at school, the annual September Tuwharetoa Festival, homes for the elderly or at Early Learning Centres. The tamariki are expected to practise what they learn with their family and friends in their own time. The fun aspect of the performance will be the feeling of whakahii/pride. That’s the feeling of being part of a group, working together, and supporting each other toward a common goal.

Ma Te Mahi Ka Ora/Succeed Through Effort