Pride, Patience, Perseverance
Jakson Tarapipipi (Ko Ngati Haua te iwi) is a busy boy.
He’s learning six performing arts components of kapahaka: Whakaeke (stage entrance), waiata tawhito (traditional song chant), waiata-a-ringa (action song), waiata poi, haka and whakawaatea (stage exit).
Jakson’s mother said she found out about kapahaka when her children began attending kohanga reo. After kohanga, Jakson joined the Victory Primary School kapahaka group. She says being in kapahaka has increased his knowledge of his culture in a way that was enjoyable for him. It has also let him show his skills in the performing arts and taught him group cooperation and discipline.
“Repetition teaches him patience and perseverance – both good traits and values for adulthood,” his mother says. “It has health benefits too, as it is like a sport with lots of physical movement and singing.”
Jakson likes being in kapahaka and says it’s fun and “you get to learn heaps of Te Reo Maori – it makes me feel proud.”
Kapahaka has helped Jakson in other areas of school life. He has the confidence to step up and show his leadership abilities and potential. He is learning to be supportive and respectful of others, and how to get along with different people.
