It was a sombre moment at The Regent on Broadway Theatre when a waiata was sung about the earthquake devastation in Christchurch.
As part of the Rangitaane primary and intermediate schools' kapa haka regional finals in Palmerston North yesterday, Monrad Intermediate School's group Nga Iti Rearea, who won the event, performed seven songs with one written especially for Christchurch. It was the first time the group has competed at a regional level.
The group of 40 students competed against six other groups from around the region. Second place went to Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Manawatu, and Mana Tamariki came third.
Teacher and composer Lewis Karaitiana wrote the waiata about the earthquake-stricken city after his parents were forced to move out of their central-city home. He said the home was destroyed and they had moved from Christchurch.
"[In the song] we encourage everyone to look after Papatuanuku and to let Christchurch people know they're not alone. We're here for them," he said.
"The [kids] love singing it but it's quite a sad song to begin with."
Mr Karaitiana wrote it especially for the competition.
In November, the top three groups will compete at the national kapa haka finals in Whangarei.
This blog is really informative i really had fun reading it.
ReplyDeleteIt is really very helpful for me.Hoping the same finest operate in the up coming days also. thank you!
Vancouver Moving and storage companies