The Cromwell community gathered in a celebration of kapa haka last week.
The Cromwell Kahui Ako kapa haka night saw the Cromwell College gymnasium packed out as pre-school-aged children through to teenagers performed a collection of waiata.
Cromwell Kahui Ako Community of Learning encompasses the town’s six early learning centres, three primary schools and Cromwell College.
Cromwell College principal and Kahui Ako kapa haka organiser Mason Stretch said the event was about celebrating the sense of community, kapa haka and Te Au Maori, and the connection between kura (schools) and the community, he said.
‘‘Kapa haka [is] a really tangible experience of collaboration and working as a team and sharing something really special,’’ he said
‘‘It has a lovely feel — [it’s] the opportunity to present the tikanga maori, and kapa haka with our region.’’
‘‘[It’s] that sense of togetherness — that sense of community learning together.’’
