Kapahaka

I thought I would share with you, something pretty special to the kiwi's.  Kapahaka is a native Mauri ritual. Mauri is very important to them.  They teach and practice the language and history.  I would compare it to our Native Americans.  Mauri people were natives on the island before it was discovered.  They was some sort of an agreement which allows the schools to teach and practice it.  It is still very rich in the area.  Most towns and land is a Mauri name.  It would be like Native Americans coming to the school and teaching us their ways.  Each Thursday those students that wish to participate go to Kapahaka practice and learn the songs and dances.  This Sunday there was a Kapahaka festival.  We weren't able to go, but the students performed at our Friday assembly.  I thought I'd share with you.  This is very similar to the how they welcomed us our first day here.  I would also like to point out the first few boys in the front row are my students.  :)

Blogger wouldn't let me upload a video.  I uploaded it to YouTube.  Here is the link to access the videos.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1knbgnUIFM 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH8FiiUouGo