Schools loud and proud in culture showcase

On Friday March 29, in the Westlake Boys High School auditorium, around 400 students from our Pupuke community combined to present an outstanding evening of culture and performance in front of a riveted audience of over 1000 parents, teachers and community leaders. Throughout the night, each of the schools involved took centre stage in items ranging from Maori waiata and haka, to Samoan dance, Zulu folk song, West African Tribal dance, Korean traditional and modern fusion dance and even a South African Gumboot dance. Special thanks and congratulations to Westlake’s Across School Lead, Ritu Sehji, who was instrumental to the organisation and success of the event.

Below are photos and comment from some of our performers about the memorable evening.

KAPA HAKA GROUP – WBHS/WGHS COMBINED

It was an amazing experience. It was great to see what all the primary and intermediate groups were doing and cool to think we were acting as an inspiration for them. I really enjoy the vibe and buzz of being with other people in the Kapa community and it was really special to see this spirit connecting across all of our Pupuke schools.

Michael Wassell– Year 10 WBHS (Kapa Haka)

SAMOAN CULTURAL GROUP – WBHS/WGHS COMBINED

It was great to see all the different cultural performances by the younger students from around the community. I think, too, that they would have been inspired by seeing all the high school groups perform on the same stage as them.

Aiesea Manu– Year 12 Westlake (Samoan Group)

THE KOREAN MASK DANCE

The night of Pupukefest was incredible. The support and respect shown by everybody really made the night extra special. All of the performances showed their pride in their culture really well. The primary and intermediates students were really hyped and respectful of our performances and their performances were incredible and interesting to watch. Performing was the best part, the smile on their faces, the energetic applause, really made the night, I was so proud because I could see the respect for our culture. They would put their hands out for hi-fives. Pupukefest made the community more like a family.                                                                                                                                                Jo Choi – Year 10 Westlake Girls 

TAKAPUNA PRIMARY KAPA HAKA GROUP

SUNNYNOOK PRIMARY PASIFIKA GROUP

– Post by David Smale

Please Note: We will upload more photos and quotes as and when we have access to them.