Sense of belonging created for Karamu High School’s Māori students
Karamu High School’s junior Māori students have been able to develop a sense of belonging by delving deeper into their culture thanks to a new initiative spearheaded by the school.
Linking in with the Matariki celebrations, local tohunga led workshops focusing on different elements of te ao Māori to about 170 years 9 and 10 tauira (students).
Local toi and tā moko artist, Cody Hollis focused on kōwhaiwhai, Conrad Nepe Apatu instructed tauira in the art of mau rākau (Māori weaponry) and Kōkā Sharlena spoke of the origins of poi, and how to make them.
There was also a Kī-o-Rahi workshop run by Matua Kane Nepe-Apatu and Matua Elijah Martin worked with tauira to prepare a hāngī for their Hautapu Ceremony that was held the following morning.
The Hautapu Ceremony saw staff, students and whānau come together to celebrate Matariki and to acknowledge those who have passed.
Principal Dionne Thomas says they hope to increase a sense of belonging among students.
This is reflected in the Whirinaki Kāhui Ako, which is made up of nine schools in Hawke’s Bay, including Karamu.
“We believe that a sense of belonging is vital in the school environment, that it is a key component for success, especially for Māori students.
“The successes we want to foster in the school starts with including things Māori in the culture at Karamu High School.”
Matua Kane said that it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Māori students at the school.
“It’s a wonderful chance for our tauira who are well-immersed in their Māori world to show some leadership and guide some of the students who may not have had the same exposure to the Māori world.
“It’s also a rare chance for all students to get an invaluable glimpse into the Māori world, which can only contribute positively to the culturally diverse community that is Karamu.
He said those occasions are incredibly valuable and allow the students to open up to the various gateways available in Te Ao Māori.
“That is the main driver behind this celebration, to expose our students to the treasures of the Māori world, and the career pathways it can open up!”
He was proud of those who showed up and participated. “It is awesome seeing kids out there enjoying the day and thriving being Māori and doing what Māori do.”
Matua Kane is incredibly proud of the students who showed up and participated.
“The students enjoyed the day, and it was really elevating to see the students relishing in their Māoritanga, and the wider student base taking part in the activities available.”
Mrs Thomas says they are looking forward to holding more of these days in the future for their tauira Māori to celebrate who they are.
