Students across seven West Auckland schools enjoyed a sports day with a difference when they took their learning outside for the inaugural Whau Cluster Cultural Festival.

More than 135 students learned traditional Māori and Pasifika games including kī o rahi, kapa haka, poi throwing and taonga tākaro at the Tahurangi/Crum Park event, organised by Sport Waitākere.

The schools, all part of the Whau Cluster, have been changing their approach over the last three years with an increased focus on encouraging greater participation, while moving away from the more traditional model of competitive sporting events.

The day-long Cultural Festival was focused around five ‘have-a-go’ stations and was designed with accessibility in mind, explains Whau Cluster Coordinator at Sport Waitākere, Amber Craig.

“We designed the event to be fully accessible for all participants and with no prior learning or coaching required which was particularly appreciated by teachers in the current climate of high teacher/student absences.  Schools could simply show up and have a go at each of the stations.”

A number of people and organisations lent their support to the day alongside Sport Waitākere, including kapa haka specialist Justin Rogers and He Oranga Poutama, which ran the taonga tākaro and kī o rahi stations.

Feedback from teachers and tamariki reinforced the success of the event, which was funded by Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa as part of the Whau Cluster Local Fund application.

“The event was so great we didn’t want to leave.  The parents enjoyed it too as something different for them.  It’s cool to see how happy the kids were, running around in the fresh air,” commented a teacher from Rosebank School.

For many tamariki, the event provided the opportunity to try something new, and ultimately share it with their friends and family.

“I learned how to throw a poi properly and can now play with my friends and whānau,” commented one student.  Another added: Kī o Rahi is sporty and energetic, also fun for my friends and family to play with me too”.

The Cultural Festival is one of a number of new initiatives for the cluster, aimed at encouraging interest and participation from tamariki in an array of play and active recreation opportunities.

Several weeks prior to the Cultural Festival, the Whau Interschool Cross Country attracted its biggest following ever with 12 schools and more than 460 students taking part.

A non-traditional approach to the cross-country event saw the addition of an inflatable obstacle course, a Weetbix breakfast tent, free Weetbix Try Challenge t-shirts, goodie bags and medals for  participants, all made possible by event supporter SMC Events and their sponsors Sanitarium and Asics. 

“By collaborating with other organisations in the sector we can add value to these events and make them more fun and engaging for tamariki – ensuring fun for all while maintaining competitive elements for children who enjoy the challenge,” explains Amber.

“We look forward to further collaboration to help grow other initaitives to keep our tamariki active, healthy and enjoying an array of physical and recreational opportunities.” 

Article added: Monday 22 August 2022