A Celebration of Eleven Nations

The College community gathered in the heart of our school Elliot Hall on 22 August for an evening of cultural celebration that highlighted the rich diversity of our student body. This year’s Cultural Celebration saw performances representing eleven nations, each song and dance offering a window into the culture, identity, history, and values of the country. 

The night opened with a pōwhiri, welcoming guests with the call of the Pūtātara (conch shell), the karanga (welcome call), and a haka pōwhiri. The Kapa Haka followed, beginning the performances by celebrating our own nations rich Māori heritage. A beautiful waiata paid homage to New Zealand’s brave ANZAC heroes and was followed by the roopū who performed a powerful haka. As the night progressed, the familiar rhythm of the Scottish Pipes and Drums reverberated through the hall, giving way to a series of vibrant performances from Africa, India, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and the Pacific Islands.

Principal Damon Emtage expressed the significance of the night, sharing, "This evening's event is a wonderful opportunity for us to experience the diverse traditions that our students bring from around the world. Through the universal languages of dance and music, we will explore the beautiful variety of cultural expressions that define our community."

A standout of the evening was the Pasifika Gospel Choir, whose soulful harmonies to Samoan song ‘Lota Nu’u’ and Tongan ‘Eiki koe ofa’ uplifted the crowd. The performance from the Cook Islands group, as usual, had the crowd on their feed, as did Samoa, and Tonga, each leaving a buzz in the audience as their energetic dances finished. As an observer it was clear these performances equally entertained and provided a pathway for those participating to connect with their culture.

Sara Standring, Director and Producer of the show, was beaming with pride by the end of the night. "I am extremely proud of the hard work and many hours they have all put in. This show goes deeper with learning as for some it connects them to their heritage and for others it is a new experience with a culture unknown."

The efforts of Whaea Jasmine Martin, the Te Ao Māori Director, and Amanda Raea, the Pasifika Director, were also integral to the event’s success. Their guidance and leadership helped students embody the spirit of their respective cultures.

As the curtain closes on the Cultural Celebration year after year, attendees depart with a strong sense of unity. While they return to their familiar cultures, the exposure to diverse