Waka Taua 2011

A mix of cultures, Tamaki College Waka Taua students were privileged to be a part of the grand Rugby World Cup opening at the Queens Warf Viaduct in Auckland on Friday September 9th 2011. Together with the Kura Kaupapa Maori o Puau TeMoananui - A – Kiwa kaihoe (rowers), our students under went a rigorous regime of training to prepare them for this special event. Endless hours of drills, chants, commands, practice on the water at Panmure warf and haka meant that students had to be physically and mentally focused. Expert guidance and support was given from senior kaihautu (leaders) and papa Niki Tauhara who brought together the 7 Waka Taua and Waka Tete from Nga Puhi. These prestigious Waka Taua included the sacred Ngatokimatawhaorua well known to all Iwi and Hapu throughout Aotearoa. After responding to a call from the Hauraki region papa Niki Tauhara took a few of our kaihoe to Ngati Paua to bring back their waka “Kotuiti”. Two of our kaihoe Ben Ruawhare and Shaun Hemara were chosen as part of that crew. It was a 10 hour journey to row Kotuiti back to Karaka Bay, Glendowie from Kaiaua. Kia ora, korua. The big event brought thousands to the Viaduct with unforgettable images of our students participating at the forefront with many other kaihoe including Tainui, Mataatua, Ngati Paua and many more. We are especially humbled by the opportunity this experience has provided for our students and for the pride instilled in us as a school. Nga mihinui ki nga kaihoe: Ben Ruawhare, Mounga Taufateau, Shaun Hemara, Tevita Bryce (Dee), Alifeleti Tuipulotu, Hawaiiki-Nui Mano, Piri Maatafa Abraham, Shauni Baker, Angela Okay, Xavier Brown, Shamin Metera, Jasmiah Katinapi, Bay Fa’atuono. Naku noa, whaea