Kapa Haka

The term Kapa haka (kapa meaning 'rank' or 'row' and haka refers to a Māori dance) is commonly known in Aotearoa as 'Maori Performing Arts' or the 'cultural dance' of Maori people. Kapa haka is an avenue for Maori people to express their heritage and cultural identity through song and dance.

A kapa haka performance involves choral singing, dance and movements associated in the hand-to-hand combat practiced by Māori in precolonial times, presented in a synchronisation of action, timing, posture, footwork and sound. The genre evolved out of a combination of European and Māori musical principles. (Wikipedia)

This week, Chris and I were treated to bit of Maori tradition. On Thursday night, we attended the Kapa haka festival here in Hawera. I saw several of the students I have been subbing for. On Friday, one of the principals here in town let me head over to Waitara with the students to see them perform in a kapa competition. All ages and abilities attended. It was very exciting and the children were very thrilled and nervous to compete. The performance was quite unique. The females perform a graceful synchronized dance and song while the males perform more of a warrior dance and chant. It is awesome to see these kids get right into the competition and perform. There is a female leader for the girls and a male leader for the boys. Their (fake) tattoos symbolize who the leader will be for the group.

After all the kapa excitement, Chris and decided to stick around our Tarnaki area this weekend. We have been traveling for 5 weekends straight and decided sitting in the car for several hours this weekend was not what we wanted to do. And plus- the surf was up! And boy was it up! We went surfing Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. Saturday morning was a bit big for me, so I decided to go for a ride while Chris took his chances with the Large waves rolling in! He was only in the water for 30 minutes that morning before he said to himself, "What the heck am I out here for!" as he got tossed by a huge wave and almost made friends with a rock. he said that was it! But the afternoon was a bit smaller (but not much!). We met this nice Scottish girl, Caitie, and surfed with her this weekend.

I have found some teaching positions open, so I will be applying to them. Meanwhile, I have been subbing and getting to know the community. Chris is still enjoying work and has been able to ride his bike to work here and there. The weather has been improving and we haven't seen the rain much. We hear the weather is getting a bit chilly. Feel free to come visit! My friend, Becky, is coming out in February. It will be warm then too! We are also working in our garden and we think we see vegetables growing! Chris bought some sheep poo and spread it around the garden. We are hoping this will help!

That's all for the week. Thanks for all the comments! We miss everyone! Take care!