After a hiatus of four years, the Australian International School (AIS) is bringing back their Kapa Haka group. The school hopes this visual performance will introduce Aotearoa New Zealand culture and traditions to a wider community of people.
What is Kapa Haka?
The kapa haka is a vibrant combination of song, dance and chanting that embodies the dynamic Maori culture. In the Maori language, ‘kapa’ means to form a line and ‘haka’ means to dance.
In Aotearoa New Zealand culture, kapa haka is traditionally performed during significant events. It’s also showcased in schools and maraes, otherwise known as sacred communal areas. Spectators are treated to a visual feast into the rich history of the Maori.
Spreading New Zealand culture through performance
The school says it has a community of students and staff from Aotearoa New Zealand, and hopes that they will reconnect to their roots through the Kapa Haka.
The group includes AIS students from Prep to Year 7 and they have been sharing Maori culture through their vibrant performances.
This April, they debuted at the New Zealand Fair held at the Great World City Cold Storage. Performing to an audience consisting of New Zealand diplomats and the public, the students became ambassadors of New Zealand culture.
Separately, the students displayed their energy at the welcome ceremony at the school for the NZ Black Ferns, the country’s women’s rugby team.
It’s the first time that the athletes have been welcomed by a Kapa Haka group outside of Aotearoa New Zealand so it was especially memorable for them. Both students and athletes enjoyed the exchange of New Zealand culture through song.
Growing the traditions of Aotearoa New Zealand at AIS
The AIS Kapa Haka group is led by educators at the school. They include Willem Lampe, Year 4 Teacher and Academic Wellbeing Head of Year; Heidi Lampe, Year 2 Teacher and Academic Wellbeing Head of Year; Rebecca Williams, Year 6 Teacher and Head of Year; and Niral Patel, Deputy Head of Elementary.
The group meets weekly for practices. Before each session, their ancestors are honoured with a karakia (prayer). Then they go on to learn new waiata (songs) and practice the accompanying actions.
The group has support in understanding and respecting Maori New Zealand culture and protocols. Tony Keepa, a respected kaumatua or Maori elder and Maori cultural advisor, guides the students in the correct pronunciation of Te Reo Maori (Maori language) of the various waiata. This support ensures that the Kapa Haka performances are authentic.
Catch AIS’s Kapa Haka performing!
The group is looking forward to their upcoming performances, one of which is the opening ceremony of the school’s annual Global Festival. Another is the NZ Chamber Ball later in the year.
Each performance is a chance for them to celebrate and share their heritage and love of Aotearoa New Zealand culture.
Find out more about Kapa Haka at AIS through a school tour by registering at the school’s website.
Australian International School is at 1 Lorong Chuan.
6883 8127 | ais.com.sg
Read a parent’s review of the AIS in our huge guide to international schools in Singapore. Also, find out more about the vocational training AIS provides for its secondary students and discover ideas on things to do in Singapore for teenagers.
