Maori matters at Muritai
By Jamie Melbourne-Hayward
Poi, kites, and Kapa haka are being woven into an Eastbourne schools culture. Raihania Chadwick started his first teaching job at Muritai School three years ago, and has now revitalised the school?s Maori programme. ?There has always been a little Maori teaching here, but there has defiantly been a new push to get them going,? he says. Mr Chadwick, who received a BA in Maori and Teaching from Dunedin, works to promote te reo Maori, Kapa haka, and the arts. ?It?s important for everyone to know about their country, even if it?s not their direct history. ?It?s also an important aspect of being in the workforce, especially knowing about treaty issues.? Te reo Maori is becoming more important in New Zealand?s work places, especially so in government positions. Mr Chadwick says, ?Maori Television is part of it, and the language is becoming more popular as people want to know more about what it means.? The enhanced Maori programmes and initiatives at the school have been positively received by the community, teachers and students. ?We have got really positive feedback, and a lot of families? are keen to participate as well.? The whole school is now involved in Mr Chadwick?s Kapa haka teachings, and along with another teacher?s help they have 400 odd students involved. ?Sometimes I?ll have two or three classes at one time, so about 40-60 kids. ?Most of the kids are Pakeha, and there are European communities around too; Swiss, German, French and some Dutch,? he says. The school has a low number of Maori and Pacific students, but Maori parents are involved through a ?Whanau Group? that meets with the principle regularly to discuss community involvement. He says flax weaving classes are especially popular, and their frequency depends on the amount of harakeke flax he can source. The school is currently looking into making Kapa haka outfits for its students and the daunting task of creating 400 plus costumes seems like ?a real lot of work?.
