Karamu High School’s Fia Fia event celebrates culture
Indigenous cultures were to the fore at Karamu High School’s first ever Fia Fia night held recently.
The evening celebrated Pasifika, Māori and Filipino cultures which are all represented at the school.
Donning items representing their cultures, and with stories of their families front of mind, more than 60 students took to the stage at the June Clarke Centre.
Special guest Peleti Oli, Hastings District Council’s first Pacific councillor, shared his life story – one that began in Samoa.
He acknowledged Karamu High School and principal Dionne Thomas for supporting and pushing the event.
“Karamu you should be proud. You’ve made history, you’ve been a part of history, so well done.”
Karamu High School principal Dionne Thomas said it was a very special evening and one she had been looking forward to for a long time – “Words can’t really describe it”.
“A famous quote states: ‘people without knowledge of their past, their origin and their culture is like a tree with no roots’. With the display of so much cultural pride and acknowledgement of culture in this one room in just over two hours tonight I feel our Karamu tree has very very strong roots indeed.”
She thanked all those in attendance and said the night would not have been possible without the leadership of Miss Seidah Tuaoi ((Dance teacher and Year 9 Māori Mentor) and staff member Kōkā Sharlena Maui.
For Miss Tuaoi, of Cook Island-Samoan descent, and Kōkā Sharlena, of Cook Island descent, enabling students to embrace their culture is something close to their hearts.
Such an evening was not available to Kōkā Sharlena during her time as a student at the school more than a decade ago.
But both she and Miss Tuaoi say it would not have been if it wasn’t for the passion and determination of their current students. “We’re just supporting, but it’s actually the students who have done the hard yards and kicked it off.”
She says the impact has been far greater than imagined. Not only has it brought the students outside of their comfort zones, but it has made them more confident in class.
“That’s the biggest thing that I have enjoyed seeing. It’s brought out a confidence within themselves and they are enjoying school a lot more because they get to be themselves and embrace their culture.”
Seeing hours of practice come to fruition was a proud moment for Year 12 student leader Edwin Hunt who not only helped with the performances but started the school’s first Pasifika group earlier this year.
The first-generation New Zealander, of Samoan descent, said he was thankful to the school for allowing him to express himself in this way.
“I have a real passion for my culture, so I thought it was a good idea to start a Pasifika group, not only for Pasifika kids, but for everyone to experience the different cultures that we have in the school.
