kapa haka Archives

You can’t hide big and brown

Posted by Aroha Gilling | Nov 12, 2023 | Identity, Reflections

“My story is one of absence, loss, and sometimes sadness. Still, I refuse to let it be a story of despair.” — Aroha Gilling.

Te Matatini: More than a bit of song and dance

Posted by Siena Yates | Feb 26, 2023 | PIJF, Reflections

“The moment you entered the festival, you became everyone’s ‘sis’ or ‘aunty’ or ‘kare’ — and they became yours.” — Siena Yates, on her first Matatini.

Our teachers made school fun

Posted by Kim Mcbreen | Nov 13, 2022 | Reflections

“Looking back now, I can see it wasn’t just about learning kapa haka. It was about pride and belonging, and making sure that Māori kids had connection and support at school when, everywhere else, racism was out and proud, and tikanga Pākehā was dominant.” — Kim Mcbreen.