Orewa College Year 7 students took part in Kotahitanga Day in Dairy Flat—a Māori cultural event promoting unity, identity, and connection through kapa haka, poi, māori art, and traditional games.

Kotahitanga Day brings Year 7 tauira together through Māori culture

Eight of our Year 7 tauira proudly represented Orewa College at Kotahitanga Day, a special event held on April 10 at Dairy Flat.

Kotahitanga—meaning unity—was the theme of the day, where students from the Hibiscus Coast region came together to connect through te ao Māori.

A warm pōwhiri and strong start

• The day began with a pōwhiri led by Dairy Flat School’s kapa haka group.

• Orewa College was welcomed as manuhiri (guests).

• Skylar Balsom-Skinner delivered our kaimihi (greeting) on behalf of the group.

• The group supported Skylar with the waiata Orewa e, a proud moment for all.

Learning through experience

Throughout the day, tauira participated in hands-on Māori cultural workshops, including:

• Poi – traditional performance art using weights on braided cords

• Mau rākau – martial art with wooden taiaha

• Ki o Rahi – a traditional Māori sport based on the legend of Rahi and Tiara

• Māori art – weaving, pattern making, and the meanings of Māori symbols

These activities were run by kaiako and local Māori leaders who guided students through each experience.

Manaaki in action

The event closed with a collective waiata and haka, a powerful show of kotahitanga (unity) among all schools.

Our tauira showed outstanding manaakitanga—respect and care—by:

• Building friendships with students from other schools

• Working together across groups

• Taking pride in their culture and learning

Ka pai to our tauira for showing confidence, curiosity, and kotahitanga. Experiences like these help deepen our understanding of te ao Māori and strengthen connections within our rohe (community).