‘Tēra taku manu e tau nei ki runga Te Rangi I Toto Te Ihu O Tamatekapua. Kia rere taku manu ki ngā wai o Pupuke o Te Waitematā, Kia tau atu ki te wao o Manukau.’ – The bird settles upon Te Rangi I Toto Te Ihu o Tamatekapua. Then flies to the waters of Pupuke of Te Waitematā to settle upon the forest of Manukau. 

After placing third at last year’s ASB Polyfest in Division Two Te Rerenga Wāna, the Westlake Girls Kapa Haka group had a well-deserved promotion to Division One. On Saturday, 23 March, Te Rerenga Wāna took to the stage to compete at the annual event. The group set out with two goals in mind: to win the Haka Taparahi (Female Haka) section and to place in the top 12, ensuring they stay in Division One next year. 

Te Rerenga Wāna met both these goals. They placed first in the Haka Taparahi and finished 10th Overall. 

The group of 23 students was led by Year 13 Eady Savelio-Thompson from Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Hamoa (Samoa) with the help of fellow Year 13 student, Tuini Hawke from Ngāti Whātua. 

We would like to thank all the tutors, teachers, and parents who helped us 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. 

If you missed the performance, you can watch it On Demand here: https://www.maoriplus.co.nz/show/asb-polyfest-2024/play/6349504353112.

Photo credit: Colin Robinson