Orewa College celebrates new kapa haka uniforms and invites whānau to our Matariki Festival celebration on Thursday 19 June.

New Piupiu to Debut at the Matariki Celebration to Come

A generous grant from the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has helped equip over 100 ākonga in our kapa haka group with brand new piupiu, ready for their first official performance at this year’s Matariki Festival.

“These taonga help our performers step forward with confidence and cultural identity,” says kaiako Haimona Koziarski. “They’re not just garments, they’re a symbol of belonging.”

Until now, male students often had to borrow piupiu from other kura. With the support of NZCT, and our local venue partners: Stables Sports Bar, Couttas Bar & Grill, The Wade Bar & Bistro, The Crown Sports Bar Orewa Beach, and the Grill House Buffet Orewa. Our performers now have a full set of their own. The new piupiu were proudly worn for the first time at the Auckland Council Citizenship Ceremony, hosted in our very own Orewa Arts & Events Centre.

Ngā mihi nui to all who made this possible. Your support strengthens not just our performers, but the entire kapa haka whānau.

Come See Them in Action at the Matariki Festival, Thursday 19 June, 1:00pm The kapa haka group will take centre stage at Orewa College’s Matariki celebration, performing alongside groups from Whangaparāoa College and Mahurangi College. Join us from 1:00pm at the OAEC for a special afternoon of performance, remembrance, and unity.

This event marks an exciting new chapter for kapa haka at Orewa College, a chance to honour culture, connect with community, and inspire future generations.

Nau mai, haere mai. Mānawatia a Matariki.

📷 Photo credit: Orewa College Media Team