Five years ago we held our first Ra Haka at the College in an effort to develop a schoolwide haka that could be used by Ōtaki College students in a number of settings as a collective. Behind the day was the idea that students would also learn about the whakapapa, tikanga and use of haka so that it could be used appropriately and performed with mana.
This year we were able to have a fantastic Ra Haka where all students learn a haka, written by staff member Te Tahi Takao, which is based on the whakapapa of Ngāti Raukawa and the key landmarks associated with this area. Students were actively engaged throughout the day, which culminated in them sharing the haka as house groups.
Sincere thanks to Whaea Maha and Matua Te Tahi for their work in both the planning and the delivery of Ra Haka.