Kapa Haka is an art form that links to culture and Māori identity, encourages whanaungatanga and the importance of people and connectedness which reinforces our school values here at Burnside Primary.
We think it is a deeply valuable component of our curriculum as it captures the history, the power of the language and the power of the music which enables students to form a positive identity, connecting with their whanau and establishing a place of belonging.
Currently we have a Kapa Haka group made up of the year 5 and 6 students who are enjoying being part of the revitalisation and retention of te reo, tikanga, ritual processes and histories.
We practice once a week as a Team and it provides a positive, disciplined, strength-based environment to enable students to shine by giving them; the leadership skills, performance opportunities, confidence, health and fitness, music and dance are all aspects of being part of our Kapa Haka group, and it is actually bringing our cultures together.
We are working to develop a programme that involves more children from across the school so they too can experience being a valued part of a group where all New Zealanders can engage, have fun and learn in an inclusive activity.