‘He rangatahi tutū te puehu, Arataki i te ao hurihuri, Whaia kia tata, tāmaua kia tina’ – Youth will stir an uproar, and lead the changing world. Chase the goal and hold it tightly.
On Friday, 18 October, Te Rerenga Wāna performed at Te Ahurea Tino Rangatiratanga, held annually. It was hosted this year by Westlake Boys High School.
This year, the competition was a Whakangāhau event, meaning it was non-competitive, allowing the celebration of Te Ao Māori and Kapa Haka to be the main winner on the day. Year 13 Eady Savelio–Thompson from Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Hamoa (Samoa) led our group of 20 students. We are incredibly proud of our students for the hard work and dedication they put into this year’s bracket, once again expanding their kete of knowledge.
We want to thank our Year 13 students who are leaving school this year (Taika-Reia Solomon-Bluegum, Eady Savelio-Thompson, Tuini Hawke, and Portia Drummond) for their contribution to Te Rerenga Wāna over the many years. “Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu” – Adorn the bird with feathers so it may fly.”
We would also like to thank all the tutors, teachers and parents for the help that we received during this campaign. ‘Te amorangi ki mua, te hapai ō ki muri’. Te Rerenga Wāna is going from strength to strength because of you all.
We look forward to welcoming all new faces for our Polyfest campaign in Term One of 2025!
By Maddison Gerbes, Kaiako mō Te Reo Māori