Glitz and glamour mark 20 years of kapa haka dominance for Te Wharekura o Rākaumanga. In the year 2000 the National Secondary School Kapa Haka competition was established in Auckland.
Kirimaaku Kihi says, “I want to pay homage to the students who have contributed to our kura over the past 20 years.”
After claiming the title in 2000, Rakaumanga has continued to grow from strength to strength claiming another 2 more titles to date.
“We as kaimahi and many of the families worked hard locally for the betterment of our school but I like to acknowledge Kirimaaku and Hans who have been at the forefront most of the time,” explained Watson Ohia.
As well as kapa haka, Rakaumanga has also produced some of New Zealand’s best league players with the likes of Wairangi Koopu, Lance Hohaia and Harley Raihe in the mix. The school also prides itself on the underpinning values of the community as a whole, united through the Kīngitanga.
Rakaumanga will enter into next week’s primary nationals as defending champions looking to retain their title.