St Mary's Catholic School children and their community are ready for action when they host this month's Tauranga Moana Ra Whakangahau Festival at the school. Photo/supplied
St Mary's Catholic School children and their community are ready for action when they host this month's Tauranga Moana Ra Whakangahau Festival at the school. Photo/supplied
Western Bay primary school children will be putting their best wae wae forward in the annual Ra Whakangahau Festival this month.
Over 1500 enthusiastic children will be performing in the annual kapa haka festival to the delight of up to 4000 spectators.
Hosting this year is St Mary's Catholic School,and principal Ben Fuller says the cultural spectacular is not just for Maori, it's for children of all cultures.
"Depending on the school, the kids don't have to be Maori. It gives all children the experience of learning some tikanga, learning some protocols, and broadening their cultural horizons. It gives them the ability to participate in a safe and non-competitive environment."
The festival has been held annually since 1992 and blossomed from eight participating schools to over 40 from the wider Western Bay of Plenty.
He said the St Mary's community see their hosting duties as a "huge honour".
"For us it symbolises a goal that we had in our taha Maori journey. "Bringing a significant Maori festival to our school and immersing our community in it for a time. We are extremely proud."
the fine print What: Tauranga Moana Ra Whakangahau Festival Where: St Mary's Catholic School When: November 24 and 25
