Hadfield House takes out tikanga at Wanganui Collegiate School

Hadfield House tikanga winners Te Wanihi Rowe and Tia Corpe with Wanganui Collegiate School headmaster Wayne Brown. Photo / Supplied

Hadfield House have won the Wanganui Collegiate School tikanga competition for a second year running.

Hadfield won the inaugural tikanga competition at WCS in 2014 and their win last weekend means they have the most titles in school history.

Head of Hadfield House, Te Wanihi Rowe, put the victory down to practice and understanding.

"The effort put in by all the boys prior to the performance was huge, when we practise, we always get the job done properly. We had a lot of control and focus," Rowe said.

"It's about learning what you're saying, a lot of schools just teach the item, not the meaning behind it. Understanding what it means really elevates the performance."

Rowe, 18, only arrived at WCS from Manukura in Palmerston North last year, but soon found himself nominated to be the head of Hadfield House.

"I was never expecting to become the head of House Hadfield, I just came to school to try and get my grades, but some of the staff saw something else in me," he said.

"Winning was definitely a proud moment for the house. A lot of hard work was put in by the leaders and the young boys, who always showed up to practices and made sure they were on task."

Students would take time out every Thursday to practise their tikanga performances with Matua Ash Patea, who would teach them local iwi waiata and rehearse the school haka.

Rowe said he took inspiration from his father, Pamahau Rowe.

"He's done a lot of work with helping Māori become more proud of our culture and I think that trickled down to me a bit.

"I'm very passionate about who I am and what I believe in, having the school celebrate that means a lot to me and sharing that with the school is always a pleasure.

"Tikanga is something special at this school and I believe it will carry on for a very long time."