Tamariki from five of North Otago’s rural schools gathered on Friday to celebrate Māori culture.

Kakanui, Maheno, Tōtara, Hampden and Five Forks schools, together with whānau, gathered at Kakanui for a Kaupapa Festival, which included schools performing waiata, and sharing a hāngī lunch.

Kakanui School teacher Julie Miller said it was great the children had a chance to “feel the nerves and feel the pride” that came from performing in front of an audience. It was also a great opportunity to showcase Māori culture and language, she said. 

“We are showing all of our learners how much we value tikanga and Te Reo Māori with an event such as this, which is really powerful, and gives our Māori learners in particular a chance to feel a lot of pride in themselves and their culture.” 

Pupils from Totara School in the limelight. PHOTO: Ashley Smyth 

The day started with a Mihi whakatau (a traditional Māori welcome ceremony), and for many tamariki this was the first time they had been part of such an experience, Julie said.

“We were so blessed to be donated an amazing amount of kai for our hāngi from each school’s community.”

Kakanui man Wayne Geary led a team which worked through the night and early morning to ensure the hangi was a success, she said.

“We are so grateful to them, and honestly couldn't have done this without them. And what a cool experience for kids to [have] a hāngī, many for the first time ever,” Julie said.

The five schools make up the Southern Rural Hub and come together for various events such as athletics day and cross country.

The days together were important for the smaller rural schools to help the children foster connections and provide them with a support network when they moved on to high school, she said.