Kapa Haka at Orewa College

At Orewa College, students grow in identity, pride, and performance through Kapa Haka. Students from Year 7 to Year 13 come together to build commitment, confidence, and connection through shared experiences in te ao Māori.

Why Kapa Haka?

A powerful way for students to connect, perform, and belong

Kapa Haka gives students the opportunity to connect with culture through performance and participation. It supports confidence, commitment, teamwork, and pride, while helping students strengthen their understanding of reo and tikanga in a shared environment.

Being part of Kapa Haka also helps students build relationships across year levels and contribute meaningfully to cultural life at Orewa College.

Opportunities for students from Year 7 to Year 13
Connection through reo, tikanga, and performance
A strong sense of belonging, pride, and commitment
Participation in school and community cultural events

Kapa Haka opportunities

Programmes for different year levels

Years 9 to 11 Kapa Haka

Join our Year 9 to Year 11 Kapa Haka, running Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm from Term 2, 2026. This is an awesome opportunity to build your skills, strengthen your reo and tikanga, and prepare for Matariki celebrations and Te Ahurea Tino Rangatiratanga in Term 4, 2026.

Years 7 to 8 Kapa Haka

Year 7 to Year 8 Kapa Haka runs through the weekly electives programme during school time, giving younger students an accessible way to participate and grow in confidence.

Term 1 open practices

In Term 1, all students are welcome to come to practices so they can experience performing and decide whether they want to make a commitment to the group in Term 2.

Performances and cultural events

Participating in school life and cultural occasions

The Kapa Haka group performs several times over the year and plays an important role in supporting cultural life at Orewa College.

School assemblies
In-school pōwhiri and whakatau
Aotearoa New Zealand Citizenship Ceremonies
Tū Maia Festival
Matariki Festival

Why families value Kapa Haka

Experiences that support identity, belonging, and growth

Identity and pride

Kapa Haka gives students the opportunity to connect with culture in a meaningful and visible way, building pride in who they are and what they represent.

Belonging and connection

Students work alongside others from Year 7 to Year 13, building relationships, commitment, and shared purpose through regular practice and performance.

Confidence and participation

Through performance and participation, students develop confidence, discipline, and the ability to contribute to important school and community events.

Frequently asked questions

Helpful information for parents and caregivers

Who can join Kapa Haka?

Students from Year 7 to Year 13 can be involved. Year 7 to Year 8 students take part through weekly electives, while Year 9 to Year 11 students can join the after-school group.

When can students start?

Students are welcome to attend practices in Term 1 to experience the group before making a commitment in Term 2.

When are practices held?

Practices are held on Fridays in the Cultural Block, with additional rehearsals in Term 2 before school, after school, and during lunchtime.

What does Kapa Haka prepare students for?

Students prepare for school performances and cultural events including pōwhiri, whakatau, Matariki celebrations, Te Ahurea Tino Rangatiratanga, and other occasions across the year.

Contact

Find out more about Kapa Haka at Orewa College

For more information about Kapa Haka, Te Ao Haka, and Rumaki opportunities, please contact:

Head of Department Māori: Haimona Koziarski, [email protected]

Te Ao Haka Teacher: Huia King, [email protected]

Rumaki Programme Lead: Kata Simpkins, [email protected]