Last week we were happy to show Kaikohe what Tautoro school can bring when it comes to representing our tupuna at the cultural festival, we were pleased with what we have achieve by bring in the teina of Tautoro school and the tuakana of Tautoro school as one group. Therefore we have written a recount about our eventful week of entertainment. Enjoy.

Kapa haka

The day had started, nerves rushing through my body and thoughts running through my mind as we sat  down waiting for 11:45am.

Minutes flew past as we practiced for the last time, and all I could think of is how it will turn out. finally the time had come for us to get change and head off to Northland College. As we approached Northland College all I could see was a lot of cars, so much that it took up the whole car park it even filled up the whole street, and then finally we waited in the back of the stage.  We could hear people cheering and clapping, as the group before us came off then we quickly and quietly, rushed on stage ready for our performance, as the curtain open up all I could hear was go Tautoro, and instantly my nerves rushed away as I saw my family right at that moment, I was happy to be in the kapa haka group.

First song gone and I was dizzy and  grateful at the same time which was weird for me. Then second song came along and I was so happy because I liked singing this song it’s a fun song and but I also liked doing the actions.  Third song came along and I wasn’t really into singing because that song isn’t as fun as the second song but I still sang along with everyone else.  Then finally haka time.  My nephew and brother were the stars of the show. Well to me they were and I loved watching them at home and then it was time for them to shine and they did with the help of Toko the kaea and the rest of the group of boys. They were amazing. then they were finish.

Poi time the girls got them self ready as Harmony started to sing. I felt my hand shake for some odd reason but still I carried on even though I messed up a couple times. Time for the tititorea which is the stick. Now was fun because my group didn’t muck up. Finally the last song was sang, although we had finished we had two karanga  from our kuia and really they were going to make me cry and then Gerry and Whaea Chenella had started another song of thanks of our two kuia. As we moved off the stage I could see the look in my mother's eye that she was proud of me and I couldn’t be more happy.

The day was so long but it was a great day all I can say is I would loved to do it all over again no sweat.

By : Ruby