“E tama e takahi ana i tō whare puapua, ka ea te mate o Poroumata.”

The kaupapa of our stand this year was to honour our whānau. The waiata tira was a tribute to the people who have passed away over the years. The whakaeke pays tribute to the whakapapa to Tūwhakairiora by honouring his mother Te Ataakura and his sister Te Aomihihia. Our Mōteatea was to honour the story of Tuwhakairiora from start to finish. Our poi paid tribute to our whaea Dame June Māriu as this year marks her 90th year here on this earth. The wahine also placed 4th overall with the poi as the highest place we have received in the last decade. Our Waiata-ā-ringa is to pay tribute to Whaea Liz Ngata for her continuous support to the roopu for so long. Our Haka was to pay tribute to a haka exponent that had passed away Muriwai Ihakara. Our whakawatea was our last goodbye for our Papa Horomona Hemi Takirau (Uncle Sol) as we let him rest in peace. This is our kawemate for our Papa to honour him as an ex Kaitātaki tāne in 1979 and 1980 and a supportive ex-pupil of our kapa. E te Matua, haere, haere, whakangaro atu rā.

Te Roopu Kapa Haka o Te Kotuku did Rutherford College proud. Placing 7th overall, 2 places higher then 2021, still maintaining the top mainstream school in Tāmaki Mākaurau. The showcase of Manaakitanga, Pono, Whakaaute and Kairangi at its best. A big mihi to all our kapa, tutors, whānau and kaiako for their amazing mahi. To our tuakana Shannon and Malania. Our Kāitātaki Cherish, Manawa and Solomon e kore e mutu ngā mihi.

Kotuku Ka Tohea
Kotuku Rerengatahi
Kotuku Ho!