KA PAI: Cullinane kapa haka squad members Pounamu Tawaroa (left), Josh Hiroti-Rewi, Maraea Kingi-Tapa, Te Paea Rewiti, Christie Wallace and Te Hiiri Ponga wearing the prize korowai at front. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 310715WCSMKAPA-HAKA1
KA PAI: Cullinane kapa haka squad members Pounamu Tawaroa (left), Josh Hiroti-Rewi, Maraea Kingi-Tapa, Te Paea Rewiti, Christie Wallace and Te Hiiri Ponga wearing the prize korowai at front. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 310715WCSMKAPA-HAKA1
Floods and power cuts did not hold Cullinane College students back from their kapa haka practice and their dedication took them all the way to first place in the Aotea regional final in Palmerston North.
Teacher Kamaka Manuel said the kapa haka squad, Te Tira Whakaau, were staying overnight atthe school on June 20 when floodwaters came all the way up to the front door and the power went off.
"The regional contest was the following week so it was the final push to hone their performance," Mr Manuel said.
"They carried on rehearsing by candlelight and parents who were able to get here in four-wheel-drive vehicles delivered supplies and came to give their support."
The squad brought home 13 trophies for wins in different categories, including a korowai (cloak) awarded to male leader Te Hiiri Ponga.
Te Tira Whakaau were not the only local team to achieve success at the competition - Te Ptiki Hononga Kura - the TKKM o Tupoho/Te Kura o Kokohuia squad placed second in the regional competition.
The high school competition, named Pae Taiohi, began in 1999 with the aim of promoting cultural understanding and a sense of self worth in young people.
Cullinane students did not take time to rest up after their triumph but headed out to Whangaehu Marae where they helped with the post-flood clean-up.
