Rangi Ruru’s Performance Impresses at Cultural Festival
“An elderly Māori woman had tears in her eyes ….. thanking me for the incredible performance she had just viewed about
her Queen.” Maaka Kahukuranui, Kaiako Māori (Māori Teacher) at Rangi Ruru.
DETAILS: Rangi Ruru Girls’ School Years 7 and 8 Kapa Haka group performed at the Christchurch Cultural Festival at CBS Arena on
Thursday 29 August. Rangi Ruru was the only private school to be involved with this Festival that involved primary and
intermediate schools in the celebration of multi-cultural Christchurch.
Due to other commitments, the girls only had a window of time to prepare for the Festival using seven Wednesdays to
learn and rehearse set of items.
The biggest challenge was the waiata tangi ki Te Atairangikahu - a lament to the Māori Queen who we lost in 2006 (not
really recent!). This was a challenge for the girls simply because ALL Māori loved her. This waiata was performed by her
own Waikato Kapa Haka Group so holds a great deal of emotion for many Maori.
As the girls were leaving the stage, there were many Māori who were very quick to acknowledge the Years 7 and 8
rendition of this waiata.
“One in particular was an elderly Māori woman who had tears in her eyes as she was thanking me for the incredible
performance she had just viewed about her Queen”, said Maaka Kahukuranui, Kaiako Māori at Rangi Ruru
He added, “For many of our young girls this was just another day at the office but I suspect that when they look back in
10-20-30 years’ time and they will come to realise just what they achieved in the CBS Arena that night.”
The performance warrants special thanks to the variety of tutors and helpers whose commitment inspired aroha and passion
for performing in the girls. To Rebekah Boyce, Josie Whelan and Natalie Elms, the Rangi Ruru girls send their sincere
thanks.
http://www.culturalfestival.co.nz/
ends