Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
'Your heart to the treasures of your ancestors
as adornments for your head'.
These are some of the famous words by Sir Apirana Ngata
to encourage the future leaders.
This is also the aim of TKKM o Hoani Waititi Marae.
Rapaera Tawhai reports.
Racing and fierce competition determines
who is this year's house champion at TKKM o Hoani Waititi Marae.
Our school organizes this sporting competition each year
at the beginning of the year for the students
to have a go at the various athletic events.
But they don't only produce sporting athletes.
At the weekend, they competed in Auckland's ASB PolyFest
and Te Wharekura o Hoani Waititi Marae were this year's victors.
It is a position this school has achieved in six different years.
You could definitely see the change in the students.
They took it to another level, which hasn't been seen in some years.
That's why I was so surprised and pleased.
Hoani Waititi have always maintained their kapa haka reputation.
The difference this year is that they're not only
achieving in kapa haka but also in the classroom.
Kapa haka should come second to being prepared for school,
like arriving on time,
having the proper equipment and completing homework,
attention to the teacher. This should come first.
How do they expect to achieve all of this? Kapa haka.
I had 13 rules.
If you broke any one of those rules you are out
or you are demoted within the group
from front row to back row or into the reserves.
They have achieved their haka goals,
now they must do the same with their academic goals.
However, Te Hira says these rules will remain in the school.
Rapaera Tawhai, Te Karere.