Huge congratulations to the Māhutonga Matariki tamariki for such an incredible achievement! Performing four shows across two nights is a massive effort, and managing a student-devised performance demonstrates deep engagement, creativity, and leadership.
By taking ownership of the production—from scripting to set design and sound composition—our tamariki directly embodied the key strands of the New Zealand Curriculum (The Arts/Ngā Toi):
Drama (Whakaari):
Developing Ideas & Communicating: Writing their own scripts, devising original scenes, and structuring the narrative of Kupe and the Giant Wheke.
Understanding Context: Retelling traditional Māori narratives (pūrākau) to connect with cultural heritage and Matariki.
Visual Arts (Toi Whakaari / Toi Ataata):
Developing Practical Knowledge & Crafting: Working alongside Cloe to design and construct a functional, moving backdrop—applying concepts of scale, texture, motion, and visual storytelling.
Music (Pūoro):
Creating & Representing Sound: Collaborating with Kirsten to compose original soundscapes and music that convey mood, dramatic tension, and atmospheric depth for the story.
Key Competencies in Action:
Participating and Contributing & Managing Self: Working in collaborative groups, rehearsing over time, coordinating technical production, and performing live before an audience.
Congratulations tamariki! Ka mau te wehi!
