Cultural
Caroline Vehikite and Tipene Murray
Cultural Prefects 2020
Message from the Cultural Prefects
Malo e Lelei, Talofa Lava and Mauri School,
As Cultural Prefects, we are responsible for organising Cultural events that showcase the diverse cultures we have within the College. This year we plan to celebrate some cultures by giving students the opportunity to participate in two of the Cultural groups we have within the College; Kapa Haka and the Lototaha Poly Group. We also are looking to bring in new initiatives that could help others understand the values and beliefs of the many diverse cultures within the college.
Te Roopu o Nga Wai o Manawhenua
Te Roopu O Nga Wai O Manawhenua is a combined group of students from: Horowhenua, Waiopehu and Manawatu College secondary schools. For the past few years the group has entered many competitions and have come out with their heads held high. They would train and learn the cultural aspects of Kapa Haka and develop these to form a team . The main aspect was to work as one leaving behind their respective college identity to forge a new one, and walk the path like their tipuna.
Kapa Haka contributes to the revitalisation and promotion of Te Reo and Tikanga Māori. It is a particularly useful and positive vehicle for Māori students to express themselves and experience success as Māori, as a springboard for success in other areas.
Lototaha Pasifika Group
Lototaha is our college's very own Pasifika group, which encapsulates the beautiful cultures of the Pacific. Bringing together a unique set of students from all year levels in the form of dance. Lototaha involve peers working collectively to build up a 20 minute dance bracket for Pasifika Fusion which represents and celebrates the many cultures which within the Oceania. The hard-work of our Lototaha leaders was shown by our results from 2019 in which we won the Kava Bowl for the best Cultural Performance. In 2018, we were fortunate enough to get runners up for that award. There are 12 categories included in the Competition; English Speeches, Language Speeches, Essay, Cinematography, Science, Drama, Talent, Debate, Wearable Arts, Quiz and the Cultural Performance. In 2016, we were second overall which was a big achievement. Unfortunately, Pasifika Fusion is cancelled this year due to COVID-19 but there are many ways that the students can celebrate culture within the college.
He Vaka Moana Mentoring Programme
He Vaka Moana aims at unlocking Pasifika Excellence. This programme looks to help both Junior and Senior Students in setting goals for themselves as they progress throughout the year. The junior program will look at developing skills for their CV's and preparing to succeed in senior school. The Senior program aims at getting them prepared for future studies or life after school. We will also look at having guest speakers come in to talk about their life experiences to the students. He Vaka Moana will be initiating trips that would broaden student experience. A mentorship program will also be included to help Senior Students develop Leadership Skills and will guide the Junior Students. The Senior Students will be mentored by the teachers to help with their future careers and also with their academic life. On the other hand, the Junior Students will be mentored by the Year 13 students.
Cultural Tik Tok Challenge!
A way of involving the students in the Cultural aspect of the College was to organize a Cultural Tik Tok Challenge. This was created while students were in lockdown due to COVID-19. The main idea for this challenge was for students to embrace who they are but to also educate others on their Culture's dances and traditions.
Thank you to those who participated and the winner will be announced at cultural awards!
Malo Aupito!
Horowhenua College School Haka
The house haka competition is an annual competition that is held every year to showcase our amazing school haka, 'Te Whero'. In the last years the haka is one of the most competitive house competitions that takes place and is very anticipated by each house. This year the House Haka Competition is taking place on the last day of term 3 and just like previous years the competition between the four houses will be immense.
Hei Kona.