Kapa haka thrilled with big spruce up

NEW KITS: Liz Adams (left rear) and Junette Ward ran up new kapa haka uniforms for Tawhero school students. The uniforms are modelled by Mia Maraku (left), 10, Tuahine Hadfield, 9 and Teroku Robertson, 11.PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 110915WCSMUNIFORMS1

Tawhero School's kapa haka uniforms were getting a bit worn out and with the school production coming up they wanted to look spruce.

School volunteer stalwart Kathy Purnell organised fundraising to buy the fabric and Ucol fashion and design lecturer Junette Ward started running up the dresses.

For someone with her capabilities, it was not a difficult job but fitting it in around full-time work was not easy, so Wanganui City College textiles teacher Liz Adams stepped in to help out and together they managed to run up a complete set of uniforms in three weeks.

"It could have been done in three days if we hadn't both been working and doing other things but it was fun, we enjoyed doing it," said Ms Ward.

Tawhero students showed their appreciation by making huge cards to present to the women at a powhiri at the school last Friday.

"They have done such a beautiful job of them, we are so happy to have them in time for the production - we really can't thank them enough," said Ms Purnell.