Te Akatoki o te Pae o Raataa Make History at Polyfest 2025 – Division 3 Champions!

In a powerful debut that captured hearts and uplifted communities, Te Akatoki o te Pae o Raataa – a composite kapa haka roopuu from Wesley College, Pukekohe North School, and Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe – were crowned Division 3 Overall Winners at Polyfest 2025. The roopuu claimed an astounding 12 trophies, including first place across key categories such as haka, waiata-a-ringa, poi, mōteatea, and both Manukura awards. This blog celebrates their journey, honours their kaitātaki – Quejeana Kani and Rangatahi Mura – and acknowledges the collective effort of kura, whaanau, marae, and the wider community. With heartfelt thanks to the judges, Maaori Stage organisers, and kaimahi who made Polyfest possible despite the weather, this story is one of resilience, unity, and excellence. He roopuu hou, he roopuu toa – this is only the beginning.

START-UP

Matua Charlie Tuhua

4/4/20252 min read

TE AKATOKI TE PAE O RAATAA – POLYFEST 2025 DIVISION 3 CHAMPIONS!
He roopu hou, he roopu toa!

What an incredible debut for Te Akatoki te Pae o Raataa, who have been crowned Division 3 Overall Winners at ASB Polyfest 2025 – in their first-ever kapa haka performance!

This powerhouse roopuu brought together aakonga from:

· Wesley College

· Pukekohe North School

· and Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe

From three kura, one kaupapa was born – and what they delivered on stage was nothing short of phenomenal. United by purpose, driven by wairua, and supported by their people, they represented not just themselves, but all of us. A performance that stunned the stage and captured the hearts of many.

12 Awards. 1 Powerful Debut. A Legacy Begins.

Overall Winner – Trophy:
Te Kaupenga o ngaa Taonga o Te Reehia
Ka Pu Te Ruha, Ka Hao Te Rangatahi – Te Kaakano, Division 3

1st Place in:

Most Improved Kapa Haka
Waiata Tira (joint winner St Cuthberts)
Whakaeke
Mooteatea
Waiata-a-ringa
Poi
Haka
Whakawaatea
Mita o te Reo
Manukura Waahine – Quejeana Kani (joint winner Ngaa Puna o Waioorea)
Manukura Taane – Rangatahi Mura
[Credits: Whakata Maaori]

He mihi aroha – with heartfelt thanks:

🧡 To our marae who have supported us! – moo too koutou tuuturu tautoko!
🧡 To our hapori – our ever-present community
🧡 To our schools, tutors, kaiaawhina, ringawera, and kaimahi – who worked tirelessly behind the scenes
🧡 To our whaanau – who stood with us, believed in us, and walked this journey beside us
🧡 And to our incredible kaiako – who gave their all during 8 weeks of relentless preparation

E kore rawa teenei kaupapa i tutuki i a maatou anake. Naa koutou katoa teenei wikitoria. Naa te kotahitanga, ka puta taatou ki te wheiao!

Ngaa Mihi Nui – To the Pillars Behind Polyfest 2025:

🧡 To our Kaiwhiriwhiri (judges) – for your wisdom and expertise.

🧡 To the incredible Maaori Stage organisers, the many kaimahi, and every hand that shaped this kaupapa.

🧡 Despite the challenges of the weather, you led with grace and purpose – and it did not go unnoticed.

🧡 A special mihi to Whaaea Tracey, Papa Chris, and your outstanding team – ngaa mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa. Thank you for your leadership, your vision, and your manaaki.

This is only the beginning.

Te Akatoki te Pae o Raataa – your name is now etched in kapa haka history.
Ka eke, ka rere, ka puta ki te whei ao!

[Credits: Whakata Maaori]