Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe Travels to Te Kaahui Maunga – 2025 Te Matatini ki Taranaki

This week, Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe embarked on a haerenga like no other—a journey beyond the classroom, beyond the familiar, and into the heart of our living culture. Supported by Papakura High School with two vans and Huakina Development Trust with one van, our kura traveled to Taranaki to immerse ourselves in the pinnacle of kapa haka excellence—Te Matatini ki Taranaki 2025.

This haerenga is more than just a trip; it is an extension of our kaupapa, a natural continuation of our learning within a Maaori-immersed educational environment. We are not just spectators but active learners, absorbing the essence of kapa haka both on and off the stage.

The Night Before – A Privileged Encounter with Te Puu Ao

Last night, we had the privilege of spending time with Te Puu Ao, a roopuu from Te Taitokerau, as they prepared for their performance on Friday. To watch their precision, their unwavering commitment, and their passion up close was a rare and invaluable experience. It reinforced the discipline and aroha that go into every aspect of kapa haka, from the long hours of practice to the deep wairua embedded in each waiata, haka, and poi.

This intimate encounter inspired our tauira, showing them what is possible with dedication and perseverance. It was a moment where the theory of kapa haka met the reality, bridging the gap between learning in the kura and experiencing the art form at its highest level.

Standing Among Thousands at Brookland Park Bowl

Today, we stood side by side with thousands of kapa haka enthusiasts, supporters, and whaanau at Brookland Park Bowl, surrounded by the mana of Te Matatini. The energy was electric. Each performance was not just entertainment but a lesson in history, whakapapa, and identity. We were fortunate and privileged to watch our very own kaiako, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝗮𝗲𝗮 𝗡𝗴𝗮 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶 𝗞𝗮𝗵𝗶𝘄𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗲𝗮𝘂 performing with her roopu 𝗧𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗵𝗼 𝗼 𝗛𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗸𝗮𝗵𝘂𝗸𝘂𝗿𝗮.

Kapa haka is more than a performance—it is a living expression of who we are as Maaori. It carries our reo, our tikanga, and our stories forward. Our aakonga witnessed first-hand the connection between language, movement, and oratory, reinforcing the importance of fluency in te reo Maaori, of tikanga in performance, and of unity in whanaungatanga.

The Impact – Personally, As a Kura, and Academically

This experience will stay with our tauira for a lifetime.

Personally:

• Strengthened their identity and connection to Te Ao Maaori.

• Inspired them to pursue excellence in kapa haka, whether as performers or staunch supporters of the art.

• Built resilience and confidence in embracing new experiences and environments.

As a Kura:

• Reinforced the importance of kaupapa Maaori learning beyond the classroom.

• Strengthened our whanaungatanga as tauira, kaiako, and whaanau.

• Showcased the potential of immersive experiences to deepen cultural and educational engagement.

Academically:

• Enhanced te reo Maaori fluency by hearing and using the language in its most natural form.

• Provided real-world learning in oratory, history, and performing arts.

• Encouraged critical thinking and discussion about tikanga, performance styles, and cultural narratives.

Looking Ahead

This haerenga has solidified what we already knew—kapa haka is more than a performance. It is a taonga, a vessel for knowledge, and a pathway for our rangatahi to stand strong in their identity.

We return home not just as tauira of Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe, but as uri of our ancestors, carrying their legacies forward with pride, reo, and waiata.

E kore e mimiti te puna o te ako – The wellspring of learning will never dry up.

#TeMatatini2025 #TeTaamatatangaOPukekohekohe #HaerengaKiTeKaahuiMaunga #KapaHakaIsLife