ALEXIA.JOHNSTON
@alliedpress.co.nz
Maniototo Area School pupils have a new stage following the completion of the Maniototo Hospital.
Children ventured to the hospital and rest-home on Friday to showcase some of their latest kapa haka talents to residents and staff, to much applause.
The school has a roll of about 160 pupils, ranging from years 0-13. Kapa haka is available to pupils from year 3-13, and is led by teacher Lauren Becker.
“Currently, we have 47% of our students who have elected to be involved in kapa haka.”
She said the school has dedicated one period a week to the specialist performance, which had helped boost its group numbers.
Among the group’s specialties is a Maori rendition of Hallelujah and a haka. Both were performed on Friday.