At BestStart Hokowhitu, we're passionate about embracing our local culture and weaving it into every aspect of our curriculum. Recently, Kererū (preschool) dove deep into the topic of ‘Music that shapes NZ’, resulting in a kapa haka performance at our Matariki whānau evening. This journey has been a rich tapestry of learning experiences for our tamariki mā, guided by kaiako, Georgia

Starting in April, Georgia engaged our tamariki mā in a variety of experiences to introduce them to the world of kapa haka. Activities such as poi making supported by Maree, exploring traditional Māori clothing, and crafting tīpare not only immersed the children in cultural practices but also deepened their understanding of our heritage. Weekly kapa haka practices became a focal point, where children learned new waiata, practiced NZSL actions, and honed their skills with poi and rākau. Through these sessions, our tamariki not only learned performance skills but also embraced the spirit of teamwork and discipline supporting our centre learning priority of whakamana. Maree also supported ngā tamariki to sew their own piupiu to support their performance

Supporting our centre learning priority of diversity, our whānau played a crucial role in enriching our kapa haka experience. It was great to get a unique tangata whenua perspective from our parent Amy who provided essential guidance on cultural tikanga and kupu, ensuring our practices were respectful and authentic. Benny Tīpene, with his musical talent, collaborated with Georgia, adding depth to our performances through playing the guitar and singing and setting the stage for future collaborations. Benny also attended a rehearsal with ngā tamariki the week before the performance and provided Georgia with recordings for extra support during the weekly practices 

A highlight of our performance was the waiata 'Pepeha', created by Shana in Tūī (Babies) alongside our whānau and iwi. This song beautifully encapsulates our connection to local lands and Māori heritage, enriched with basic NZSL, and has become a cornerstone of our localised curriculum. It's heartwarming to hear this waiata echoing throughout the playground, as all classrooms have embraced practicing it with our tamariki  

On June 20th, after three months of dedicated practice, our kapa haka rōpū took centre stage at our Matariki whānau evening. It was a night of pride and celebration as our tamariki showcased their newfound skills in front of over 100 friends and family members, marking it as our most successful Matariki event to date. Following the performance, we enjoyed a shared kai and a lively disco party, fostering a sense of community and joy supporting our centre learning priority of manaakitanga 

As we reflect on this remarkable journey, we are excited about integrating kapa haka into our ongoing curriculum. This initiative ensures that every child who passes through our centre will have the opportunity to experience the cultural richness of kapa haka and participate in its celebration. We extend our gratitude to our supportive community for embracing and celebrating the achievements of our tamariki. 

As one parent shared on Story Park, "Awwwww ka pai tamariki mā and whānau, this gives hope for a more inclusive future as these young ones grow up with these sorts of experiences. Nga mihi nui Best Start team."  

Hāpaitia te ara tika Pūmau ai te rangatiratanga Mō ngā uri whakatipu Foster the pathway of knowledge to strength, Independence and growth for future generations Mānawatia a Matariki, BestStart Hokowhitu