Saint Kentigern takes pride in not only its Scottish heritage roots but also the many different cultures that make up our community. In celebration of language and arts week, and our Maori and Pasifika community, a group of College students and staff came together, this week, to present an evening of song and dance, full of colour and pride.

From delicious food to a formal welcome followed by dancing, singing, with great vocal support from the audience, this was a great evening of entertainment! The costumes and backdrops were amazing and the students were a joy to watch.

On arrival, food stalls, prepared by the families, were set up in the Elliot Hall foyer for the guests to enjoy traditional food, before enjoying the show. Students, Benji Pauga and Caleb Pese were the MCs for the evening and opened the concert with a humorous piece to set the tone. Playing the guitar and singing an ‘unknown’ welcoming song, the pair got the audience laughing from the moment they stepped onto the stage.

The first item for the evening was a performance by Chloe Haerewa, singing in Maori. Chloe gave a beautiful performance and was a great example of the talent to follow.

Following in her footsteps was the Samoan Group, led by Selena Agimalo. This group of 17 students took the audience on a wonderful journey to the tropical islands. Their performance was full of energy, colour and excitement as smiles filled the room and the audience cheered. It was wonderful to see such a well-polished set, as the dancers moved gracefully to their different formations, making clear representations of their Samoan culture.

To complete the Samoan set, Seloa Keil performed a Taualuga. Seloa shone on stage as her magical dance brought the whole Samoan Group and family members together to dance and celebrate as one. Seloa’s energy and stage presence was incredible to watch!

Christina Middelbeek-Harrison’s voice was spell-binding as she sang Whakaaria mai and Whakamoemiti. It was clear that Christina is no stranger to the stage, giving a very polished performance.

The audience was in for another treat but this time, from the Staff Kapa Haka Group, a newly formed group this year who have practised under the watchful eye of College Te Reo teacher, Matua Maurice Nelson. Many of the group took on the Te Reo course last year and were proud to be able to present back to the students at only their second public performance this year.

This was followed by a Tongan dance performed by Selena Agaimalo and the Piukana family. In the next item, a group of Tongan girls and boys, led by Peata Fatai, also danced beautifully. The girls performed two pieces, Tau’olunga and Faha’iula with great energy and poise, and the boys certainly held the attention of the audience with their strong and energetic performance, Soke.

Next, Moiralisa Ainu’u Aneru, Caleb Pese and Damien Faiane performed a song together, followed by the College Kapa Haka Group, led by J’adore Harris - Tavita and Selena Agaimalo. This was a great way to conclude the show as the students gave a strong rendition of. the Waiata-Tira: He Honore, Whakaeke: Haukiwi, Moteatea: Maia, Waiata-a-ringa: Medley, Haka: Ruaūmoko and Whakawatea: Nei Rā Te Kaupapa.

Teacher in Charge of the Cultural Groups, Mr Leti Fetalaiga gave his closing speech, thanking all the students, tutors and teachers for their hard work, and also to the family and friends who came along to show their support. Matua Nelson finished with a closing prayer before proud families went on their way.

A production of this calibre requires a lot of hard work from staff and students alike but each year when this evening comes around, we are particularly appreciative of the input from the students’ families. Well done to all who were involved, this was a production you can all be proud of!

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Tags

• College,
• Culture

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