Karanga mai echoed through the hustle and bustle of our 2010 Eden/Albert festival. We inched forward and joined the manuhiri that waited for their cue. The daily procession was opened with a karakia, by a young male, Rapaea Henderson from Ngati Porou descent. Followed by a mihi of welcome then a chorus of voices to conclude.
Whanau(families) and friends came from all over Auckland to endulge in our festivities.
10.10 came around quickly for Te Whanau o Owairaka. We proudly took the stage as the loud speaker introduced us to the multitudes. One by one we turned to the waiting crowd, scanning for those who know us well.
I too, stood with my fantastic kapahaka. They trully shone on stage, the additional hairpieces worked a real treat.
Our beautiful voices fulled the over-flowing hall, people of every race, religion and belief sat in awe of the groups amazing performance.
The kapahaka girls sweet singing hypnotised the audience and the swinging poi dazzled them even more.
As for our boys, they put the ‘fear of God’ into the roaring audience as they rumbled and terrified all that witnessed their haka Tika Tonu.
I believe our performance set the standard for the day.
Ngaa mihi mahana ki a koutou i haere ki ta matou taha, i whakarite ngaa kakahu haka, me tiaki ngaa tamariki ki te Rocket Park. Tenei te mihi ki koutou.
Thank you to all our fantastic parents, caregivers, and staff who gave their time to dress the children and transport them to and from Rocket Park. I can’t thank you enough.
To my tamariki, you continue to inspire me to teach haka, karanga, Te Reo Maori to all who want this taonga.
Ngaa mihi ki a koutou katoa mo tenei wa Kirihimete…. Kia tupato i tera wa, hei te awa, te one, te puna kaukau, ma runga waka – poti ranei. Ko tenei taku wa whakamutunga. Ka timata awau i te wahanga tuarua o te tau 2011, ki Te Kura a Rito o Newton.
Mauriora!
Ka Kite koutou – Te Whanau o Owairaka – Te Kura o Owairaka
rumatekaumawhitu09 
Hey! I still can’t stop thinking about the pepeha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!