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Figure 1.-- |
New Zealand is a multi-cultural country. The primary minority group is the indigenous Maori people. The Maori people live throughout New Zealand. The schools since World War II has given much more attention to the needs of their Maori students. In recent years Pacific-island people have emigrated to New Zealand. They are especially important in the north of North Island. particulsrly Auckland. These groups have organized cultural clubs at many high schools to promote their language and culture. Both students and teachers participate. Most of the participants are from the speciufic ethnic group, but Pakea students sometimes also participate.
Hunour and good spirits were in abunance as the Kelston Boys and Girls Combined Niuean Group prepared for the ever growing Secondary Schools Cultural Festival. The group, led by Maverick and James flourished under the ongoing encouragement from Kaota Puna. After all the nerves had been overcome (With meeting all the new gurls!!!!), the practices began to become smoother and more productive, with Jeffery Agimatagi emerging as our most improved member. The night before , the "Big Day", nerves were starting to rear their ugly head again. This was the night we prepared the costumes, it was also the last chance to get a good rehersal in, and give the parents a preview of what was to become. Finally, 'Judgement Dy', and considering circumstances everyone was surprisingly calm. Rarely in life does one experience the feeling of being in absolute harmony with his friends and other performers , and for us this was one such time. As the result, the performance was absolute perfection with everybody bursting with energy. The Kelston group brought a dull and lifeless crowd to a standing ovation and sharp cries of support as they left the stage. The atmosphere at the Niuean Prizegiving was estatic, climaxing with Maverick collecting 2nd prize for leadership and 3rd overall! For everrybody involved it was a wonderful insight into the Niuean culture and a wonderful chance to reunite with old friends and make new ones. Results: First in: Takalo (War Dance) and Koll Foou (New Dnce). Second in: Boys Leadership and Overall Group Presentation. Third: Costume and Exit.
Maveick Tohilima, Kelsonian (Kelston Boys' High School), 1996
The Samoan group was a well prepared group this year finishing fifth overall at the Secondary Schools' Polynesian cultural festival which was held at the Manukau Velodrome . Although the group went through many rough patches they still put all their effort into the practices during the week. The Samoan group finished the competition winning 3rd in Slapdance, 1st for uniform and coming 5th overall. All thanks go to Daniel Lafaialii for his efforts in controlling the group during the live-in and also to Mr Gray for his support during the lead up to the festival. The most oustanding performer would be John Senio for the incredible manvre on the traditional war knife dance. Results: 3rd in the Slapfance and 1st in the Uniform. Placed 5th in Samoan Prizegiving.
Kelsonian (Kelston Boys' High School), 1996
