Kapa Haka and Pasifika Groups

Kapa Haka

Whenuapai Schools Kapa Haka groups are an opportunity for tamariki to learn waiata ringaringa, waiata, poi and haka. We offer a Junior (0-4) and Senior (5-8) rōpū, with over one third of the school participating.

Our Kapa Haka groups are involved in performances throughout the year. We come together at the end of the year to share the waiata we have learned at Mistletoe Mania.

At Whenuapai School, children are encouraged to join Kapa Haka. If your child is interested in joining, please contact Katie Gemmell (katieg@whenuapai.school.nz) or Bree Ward (breew@whenuapai.school.nz).

School Korowai

Whenuapai School is incredibly lucky to have two beautiful Korowai’s donated to us by members of our school community, the wonderful Nasmith family and a very special Grandmother, Maree Ford. Our Kapa Haka group have the privilege of wearing these special Korowai and do so very proudly. These garments are Taonga (treasures) and they can help to connect us all through the Whakapapa (ancestry) of the designs and the natural fabrics and materials from which they are made, such as bird feathers and harakeke (flax). These gifts are very precious to our School and are valued highly for the Mana that they bring. We wish to thank our families very much for donating these to our School.

Pasifika Group

Our Pasifika Group is vibrant and inclusive, made up of students from Year 0 to Year 8. Throughout the year, we come together to celebrate and share the rich cultures of the Pacific through performance, especially during the Pacific Language Weeks.

We proudly perform at key school and community events, including Mistletoe Mania, showcasing traditional songs, dances, and stories that reflect our students’ diverse cultural backgrounds.

Being part of the Pasifika Group helps students grow in confidence, build a sense of belonging, and strengthen their cultural identity. We celebrate the diversity within our school and are proud to support each student in expressing who they are.

At Whenuapai School, children are encouraged to join Pasifika. If your child is interested in joining, please contact Madison Tanuvasa (madisont@whenuapai.school.nz) or Zivana Makalio-Nicol (zivanam@whenuapai.school.nz).