Queen Margaret’s College in Wellington, New Zealand had their Māori and Pasifika performing arts groups, Te Whānau o Kuīni Mākareta, perform in the college hall in early November.

Although no audience could be there on the night, there was no dip in passion and commitment as the girls gave their all for every performance.

The performances were made by a group of approximately 50 students from Year 6 to Year 13 who are passio Te Whānau o Kuīni Mākareta.  

This year the group has learned Māori, Sāmoan and Cook Islands brackets throughout the year.

The Pō Whānau (family evening) was their last event of the year and they performed for their community to show them what they had learnt during the year.

The event was recorded for families to enjoy it at home.

The tutors of the Cook Islands bracket were Sharlene Brabant who has ties to Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia and Henry Tutaka who has connections with Rarotonga, Mauke, Atiu, and Niue.

“We are fortunate enough to have had these tutors for the past two years.

“This year the group learned the ute "Pū Poroiti," the kapa rima "E Reo Aroa Nō Ivanui" composed by Maki Karati and also an ura pa'u.

“Their costume consisted of brand new pāreu from Mareko sourced from Varu Online in Auckland and ei katu made by Manea Allan-Moetaua from Rarotonga,” said Rahera Meinders, the group’s co-ordinator, who is of Atiuan descent.   

Meinders wanted to give a big ‘Meitaki Ma’ata’ to Braband and Tutaka for tutoring the Cook Islands bracket, drumming, singing, and ukulele performances.

She also thanked the parents who contributed money towards the girls’ costumes.

“A big thank you to our tutors and whānau members for supporting us this year,” she said.

“Ngā mihi nunui to the wider whānau who helped and supported us this year. We are looking forward to 2022.”