Cultural Celebration Tells Stories From Many Shores

One night and many worlds. Home to the College’s annual cultural evening, Elliot Hall became the celebration ground for music, movement, and storytelling; carrying the voices and traditions of students honouring their roots.

This year’s Cultural Celebration brought traditions from twelve nations to life, each performed with authenticity and artistry. The evening opened with a powerful powhiri led by Allen Martin, before the Kapa Haka group filled the hall with stirring waiata and haka that set a tone of respect and unity for the performances to follow.

Scotland’s skirl of bagpipes and the swirl of tartan brought a lively lift, while Miriam MacFarlan’s African dance pulsed with energy and expression. The Chinese Cultural Group blended elegant classical instrumentation with dynamic dance, and the Indian Cultural Group’s Bollywood rhythms and vibrant colours drew enthusiastic cheers. Making their debut, the Korean Group’s Taekwondo martial artists wowed the audience with board-splitting strikes and high-flying kicks.

Kentoris, our premiere choir under the direction of Denzel Panama, brought a moment of stillness and beauty. Performing Richard Puanaki’s Ka Waiata Kia Maria followed by the Samoan hymn Musu E (arr. Steven Rapana), their voices carried warmth and reverence.

The final part of the evening belonged to the Pasifika performers who are always a crowd favourite. The Cook Islands group, led by Nora Caffery and performing “Kua iti te marama” followed by a driving drum beat, had the audience moving. The Tongan boys blended tradition with a modern remix in Fakatapu & fitu’alofi, while the Tongan girls brought elegance with ‘Io ‘Io ‘Io (Hiva Tonga). Ashleigh Tuumaialu’s Tau’olunga was a poised and graceful finale to the Tongan segment.

The Samoan boys’ Fa’ataupati to Samoa Le Penina Oe by Puni was met with resounding cheers, and the girls’ Maulu’ulu to Samoan Medley by Nyssa Collins showcased intricate synchronisation and grace. Jamaria Chan Kau, as Taupou, closed the Pasifika performances with the sacred Taualuga, a fitting crescendo before all performers returned for a mass Pasifika finale.

Reflecting on the night, Head of Pasifika, Amanda Raea said, “It has been pure joy to watch our students from Year 9 to Year 13 come together as one ‘big family’, sharing food, fun and fellowship in the weeks leading up to this night. That spirit of unity is what makes this event so special.”