March 2016 Recipients
Bailey Road School received $4,750 to purchase Kapa Haka uniforms which include piupius, bodices, skirts and headbands.
Several years ago the School developed initiatives encouraging the students to ‘succeed as Maori’, one such activity is Kapa Haka tuition, open to all students. The weekly classes are a great success with numbers rising steadily, creating the need for uniforms.
Since the introduction of Kapa Haka and Te Reo lessons the school has noticed cultural practices used more in everyday life, like the use of Maori greetings and karakia before eating kai.
The Kapa Haka group has started performing regularly in the community, including the local retirement villages, to celebrate their performing arts talents and give back to the community. The Mazda Foundation grant means the group will not only look great in their new uniforms but will have a newfound sense of pride when representing the school.
