Passion and commitment to te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) was displayed on stage when 25 Cromwell College (CC) students participated in Murihiku Polyfest last week.  

CC principal Mason Stretch said the school community was very proud of their kapa haka roopu (group) commitment and mahi (work).

“The group brings a special wairua (spirit/soul) and presence to their performances. They were a pleasure to support.”

CC assistant principal Karen Gallagher coordinated the practices and the groups’ trip.

She said the group performed four waiata (songs) and one haka, and that everyone was fantastic on stage.

“It’s always a privilege to do our school karakia with sign language on stage, to celebrate the third language of New Zealand, New Zealand sign language.”

Karen said despite the majority of the “tight group” having been to Polyfest before they shared a sense of being together and performed their set joyfully and with pride.

A still shot from the CC haka. PHOTO: Supplied 

Other highlights were showing tautoko (support) for Dunstan High School’s set later on Thursday afternoon and watching the Southland secondary schools’ evening showcase. 

Karen thanked Amber Nepe, Teri Kahukuranui, and Jeromy Van Riel for their help with practice and making the trip such a success.

CC student and talented singer Grace Tiko was centre stage. PHOTO: Supplied 

View the CC performance online (at five hours and three minutes into the Thursday recording).

Mīharo Murihiku Polyfest 2023 was held at ILT Stadium Southland, involving more than 6,000 performers and tens of thousands of spectators in person and online. 

Groups take part from early childhood centres through to secondary schools from Ōtākou and Murihiku. 

Central Lakes Polyfest is coming to the Queenstown Events Centre in October and rhe CC kapa haka will take part. 

The group will perform on October 18, the same day as fellow Cromwell kura (schools) Goldfields and Cromwell Primary.

Read more: Alexandra school to perform at Polyfest.

Read more: Dunstan High School preparing for Murihiku Polyfest.