The response to the release of Hampden School’s original song and video Our Taonga By the Sea, has been “overwhelmingly awesome”, says principal Matt Hannagan.

Creating a song has been on the school’s wish list since 2022, after Matt was approached by Dragonfly Media director Rob Greaney, who is based in Hampden, to see if his skills and expertise could be utilised within a school project context.

“We applied for Creatives In Schools [funding] twice. Initially unsuccessful in 2022, we were accepted in 2023,” Matt says.

Once the funding was secured late last year, the mahi began with the pupils at the start of this year - usually in small groups on Thursdays and Fridays.

“The philosophy behind the project was simple,” he says. “Showcase our people, places and things in an enriching and meaningful context that empowered our tamariki to feel a strong sense of belonging to our rohe (area) and to see themselves as successful and valued members of the greater community.” 

The song began with some brainstorming from the children about what made the area special for them, and using this, Rob came up with a catchy chorus first, followed by verses which focus more on what the region specifically has to offer. 

“From there, there were several processes that took place - finding the beat and melody that matched the children's interests, storyboarding of locations, recording of vocals, filming and then the final editing phase,” Matt says.

The skills, resources and knowledge Rob brought to the project in areas such as song writing and music, filming and editing, the children may not have been exposed to otherwise and showed them the potential for a future career in these areas. 

The children embraced the project with “enthusiasm, pride and dedication” and were “absolutely stoked” with the production.

“Not one negative comment. They feel a sense of pride in themselves and their tūrangawaewae (the place they stand). 

“It has been so different to anything else they have done. The process has been mana-enhancing and so exciting - they really do feel like stars.”

Many community members helped out in a multitude of ways and the support of the Mana Whenua has also been appreciated, Matt says.

A first screening of the song was held last Thursday at the Hampden Community Hall, with Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher and Rachelle Haslegrave from the Ministry of Education in the audience.

The event was “very well attended” and feedback “incredibly positive”, Matt says.

“The plan from here is to continue to share it and get the achievement of these amazing students to a larger Aotearoa and even worldwide audience.”

Matt describes the process as “exhausting, stressful and busy” but says he couldn't have asked for a better outcome and was “immensely proud” of those involved.