Kapa Haka

Chanel College’s Kapa Haka (Māori Performing Arts Group) is known as Te Roopū o Hinerangi, which literally means ‘The group of Hinerangi’.  Hinerangi is the name of our school’s Wharenui (meeting house), named in honour of a revered and important ancestor, Hinerangi.

Under the tutelage of Mātua Johni Rutene, teacher-in-charge of Te Reo Māori at Chanel College, this group have grown in size and has doubled in size from last year.  The students who elect to join this group learn so much more than singing or learning action songs and haka.  They learn about Wairarapatanga (this region’s history through the lens of Tangata Whenua; and through their involvement, they actively assist in revitalising and retaining te Reo Māori, Tikanga and cultural practices.  As identified in a report on the benefits of Kapa Haka undertaken by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage in  2014: “Kapa haka is a unique part of our identity as New Zealanders and helps facilitate meaningful connections with other cultures. The firm belief that kapa haka contributes to social cohesion, positive health and educational outcomes and economic vitality”.

Last year our Kapa Haka students were filmed for the Wairarapa Schools’ Cultural Festival.  We were very proud of our students in Te Roopū o Hinerangi for giving a stellar performance with enthusiasm and passion.  Students are taught many aspects of Māori Performing Arts, which are utilised to achieve competency in presenting it.  Students in this group are also involved with cultural events throughout the year, which supports our Chanel College Strategic objective of the partnership with Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu, the Iwi of Wairarapa.

Chanel College is proud and committed to promoting Kapa Haka and its teachings, which align with Iwi aspirations and provides high-quality support programmes for our students.  Any Chanel College student can join Te Roopū o Hinerangi, and we welcome them all.  We believe that ‘learning should be fun and that culture is a gift from God.  Nō reira, ma Hehu Karaiti tātou katoa e manaaki, e tiaki.  

God Bless us all.