October 23, 2012
Kapa haka blooming in Te Tau Ihu
Kapa Haka is blooming at the top of the South Island, with the third Taiopenga Maori Performing Arts Festival extending over today and tomorrow to cope with the large number of teams.
Co-organiser Margy Crosby says 36 kapa haka have entered from kōhanga reo, early childhood learning centres, primary schools and colleges.
She says a lot of work is going on in the schools, with teachers getting special training and continuing support which gives even Pakeha teachers the confidence to take groups.
She says kapa haka teaches children a multitude of skills including rhythm, language and fitness.