Karori Normal School

Kapa Haka

 

 

What is Kapa Haka?

 

Kapa: 'stand in a row or rank, team'                Haka:  'dance, perform, cultural, '

 

 

Kapa haka involves a combination of song, dance and chanting. It is performed by cultural groups on a marae, at schools and during special events and festivals.

 

 

Kapa Haka



Karori Normal school is a place where te reo me ōna tikanga are valued and the purpose of kapa haka at KNS is to grow student and staff confidence with their reo through haka, waiata and waiata a-ringa (action songs).  It also provides an opportunity to learn about tikanga. We start and finish sessions with karakia and learn a variety of waiata that support te reo Māori learning in class.  A large part of each session is dedicated to waiata that can be sung at ceremonies like pōwhiri or poroporoaki. The 30 minute sessions are planned and implemented once a week, for each year group, by Hemi Prime. 



Extension Kapa Haka


Extension kapa haka provides tamariki a platform for expression, giving them the opportunity to experience success, gain confidence through performance, and step up as leaders and role models. The extension kapa haka group learn how to take part in  pōwhiri and poroporoaki and in time be given opportunities to represent our school through performance thus creating a sense of pride. The 60 minute session is planned and implemented, for year 5-8 who opt in, once a week by Hemi Prime.  



Pōwhiri (Only held when there are no Covid Restrictions) 


Our kura is our marae and we embrace tikanga and show manaakitanga by welcoming manuhiri and connecting people (whakawhanaungatanga). Pōwhiri provide an important early connection with whānau and also offer a new experience for some in our school community. 


Pōwhiri are held once a term at KNS and Te Ātiawa Kawa is followed. The tikanga is taught during kapa haka and te reo Māori Lessons. Tamariki are invited to take leadership roles such as kaikōrero and kaikaranga. This provides authentic opportunities for ākonga to use and develop their reo Māori and gain confidence in this type of setting. 


Hall space is limited which means that one class from each year group from Year 1 through to Year 5/ 6 represents their team. The representative class changes each term. All Year 7/ 8 attend as leaders of our kura.