Sharing the manners, values and life skills he learned from his parents and ancestors through teaching kapa haka, is how a Tauranga Intermediate teacher helps the new generations to embrace their history and become the leaders of the future.

“When I was a kid I learned from my parents and the elderly all about our whakapapa, our ancestors and about our culture,” says Matua Edward Te Moana.

“Teaching kapa haka is the best way to share this knowledge and keep the Maori roots alive in the new generations.”

Sometimes small things like helping at home and learning the value of all our acts, can help a lot to understand how we can contribute to society, says Edward.

He says kapa haka also helps the kids to feel empowered to conquer anything in life.

“They learn life skills while doing kappa haka, and this also helps our kids to be resilient within the community, at school and at home. This strengthens them fiscally, emotionally and spiritually and keeps them connected to their home ground and their whanau.”

But Kapa haka is not something the kids practice and learn at the school, Tauranga Intermedia recently participated in Te Mana Kuratahi, the national kapa haka competition for primary school students held in Nelson this year.

“We trained for 12 weeks for the national competition in Nelson, and we participated with a team of 47 students who placed 6 overall out of 47 schools. We also received first place for girl leader, besides other great recognitions for the team.”

Besides the respect and gratitude from their students, Edward recently received the recognition Good as Gold for his selfless commitment and his hard work for the kids of Tauranga Intermediate.