Opua School were one of our successful applicants for Tū Manawa funding. They wanted to develop a project so all children at their school could actively participate in Kapa Haka. They established a Opua School Kapa Haka performance group called 'Te Roopū Whakangahau o Te Kura o Opua'. Their goal was to engage their children in significant cultural and physical learning to positively impact their hauora and support them to be more connected to their heritage, develop physical fitness, coordination, and general wellbeing.

Opua School utilised the funds for Kapa Haka tutors and to purchase kākahu, hair pieces (feathers) and poi materials. The Kapa Haka tutors shared knowledge about the significance of the Kapa Haka kākahu, and from there the design process commenced with the Opua tamariki heavily involved with the design and learning about the whakapapa behind performing kākahu. They drew up different kākahu designs for the boys and girls. With the tamariki designs in mind, they worked closely with a local business in Whangarei to bring their ideas to life. The tamariki tried on samples to decide further on the appropriate length, placement of the logo, the style of the kākahu, and Tīpare (feather head piece) colours.

The tamariki of Opua School are now more skilled and confident in participating in Kapa Haka and have enjoyed engaging in more culturally appropriate experiences. Through engaging in Kapa Haka, the tamariki have also further developed their coordination.

Ka mau te wehi Opua School – what an awesome kaupapa! If you want to know more about Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa funding, check out our website here