‘Heretaunga haukūnui ararau haaro te kahu takoto noa ringahora’

Kapa haka fosters a sense of cultural identity and pride among students at Mahora School, enhancing their connection to Māori heritage. It also promotes teamwork and discipline, as students must work together to perfect their performances. Kapa haka is open to all tamariki and is enjoyed by all. Nau mai, haere mai.

During kapa haka, tamariki learn about Ngāti Kahungunu mātauranga (knowledge) through mōteatea, waiata, and haka. Kapa haka is an expression that serves not only as an artistic outlet but also as a vital conduit for cultural transmission, preserving and sharing Māori traditions, languages, and values through music, dance, and storytelling. Young learners deepen their understanding of ancestral heritage, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. The collaborative environment of kapa haka encourages teamwork and mutual respect. Ngāti Kahungunu knowledge is woven into their learning journey to help nurture well-rounded individuals who are deeply connected to their roots. 

We have roles and responsibilities as a leader for our Year 6 students to strive towards. We choose two tama and two kōtiro who show the different criteria required to become our Kaitātaki (Kapa Haka leaders) . The role of Kaitātaki Tama and Kaitātaki Kōtiro is to motivate, tautoko, manaaki, guide and lead within our Kapa Haka roopu, our kura and also out in our community. We hui once a week to enhance their confidence in sharing pepeha, to korero reo Māori and to have a kete full of knowledge and understanding of te ao Māori.