Culture
Kapa Haka Te Paepae o Aotea
Kapa Haka at Te Paepae o Aotea
Te Paepae o Aotea Senior Kapa Haka is a dedicated cultural rōpū that works tirelessly throughout the year alongside committed staff and whānau. Our students proudly represent our kura at prestigious events such as the Whakataetae Pae Rangatahi competition and have previously travelled to Queenstown to compete at the Moana Pounamu Haka 10s. Our Year 7-8 rangatahi embrace the challenge of preparing for the Tarakihi Festival, showcasing their skills and passion in Term 3.
Through their passion and commitment to Te Ao Haka, our rangatahi build strong connections founded on whanaungatanga, tikanga, and kotahitanga. Kapa Haka provides opportunities for students to strengthen their cultural identity, develop leadership skills, and grow in confidence. We encourage our rangatahi to be proud of who they are, embrace their culture, and strive for excellence in everything they do.
Acknowledgements
2025 Whatataetae Pae Rangatahi
Te Paepae o Aotea Senior Kapa Haka – 5th Place Overall
Te Paepae o Aotea Senior Kapa Haka – 3rd Place Haka
Manu Kōrero
At Te Paepae o Aotea, we strongly encourage our students to embrace and celebrate their cultural identity. Each year, our rangatahi are given the opportunity to participate in Ngā Manu Kōrero, New Zealand’s Māori secondary school speech competition.
This event brings together students from across the Taranaki and Whanganui regions to showcase their excellence in public speaking, leadership, and cultural identity through both te reo Māori and English.
Our students consistently perform to a high standard, with
Te Paepae o Aotea achieving placings in the competition.
Acknowledgements
2026 Senior Speeches
Indyka-Azaria Hill – 1st Place Impromptu Speech
2025 Senior Speeches
Tiama-Deziah Hill – 2nd Place
Tiama-Deziah Hill – 3rd Place Overall
Indyka-Azaria Hill – 3rd Place Impromptu Speech
2024 Senior Speech – Korimako
Tiama-Deziah Hill – 2nd Place Impromptu
Tiama-Deziah Hill – 1st Equal Best Female
Tiama-Deziah Hill – 2nd Equal Overall
2024 Junior Speeches
Indyka-Azaria Hill – 3rd Place Overall Junior Prepared Speech
Race Unity Speech Awards
Te Paepae o Aotea students are encouraged to participate in the annual New Zealand Race Unity Speech Awards, a prestigious competition for Years 11-13 students. The awards provide an opportunity for young people to share their ideas on strengthening race relations and fostering a harmonious multicultural society.
Students begin their journey by competing in the South Taranaki Heat, with the goal of progressing to the Taranaki regional competition and ultimately earning a place at the national semi-finals held in Auckland during Term 2.
Our students have demonstrated outstanding commitment and success in the Race Unity Speech Awards over the years.
In 2023, a Te Paepae o Aotea student received a top national award, and our rangatahi have consistently achieved placings at the South Taranaki Heat. Through their participation, students develop confidence, leadership, and the ability to advocate for positive change within their communities.
Acknowledgements
2026 South Taranaki Heat
Evita Morellon – 1st Place
2025 South Taranaki Heat
Tiama-Deziah Hill – 2nd Place
2024 South Taranaki Heat
Evita Morellon – 1st Place
Pagan Hira – 2nd Place
2023 National Awards
Ebony Kalin – New Zealand Faith NZ Tohu Maramatanga Award
2023 Taranaki Final
Ebony Kalin – 1st Place
2023 South Taranaki Heat
Ebony Kalin – 1st Place
Emilia Scott – 2nd Place
Inter Awa Waiata & Haka Competitions at Te Paepae o Aotea
During Terms 2 and 3, our Awa compete in the Inter Awa Waiata and Inter Awa Haka competitions. Students practise during Tuakana Teina on Friday afternoons as they prepare for the finals, where they compete for event trophies and valuable points towards the ultimate prize, Ki te Hoe, awarded at the end of the year. These events foster teamwork, awa pride and a strong sense of whanaungatanga.
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