Our Unique Community

At Hobsonville School, we’re proud of the diversity of our student roll, and offer our children a number of opportunities to celebrate and learn about many different cultures.

Kapa Haka

Our belief is that Māori culture should be experienced and cherished from our junior school through to our intermediate classes, which is why we give all of our children the opportunity to learn kapa haka. Kapa haka is the term for Māori performing arts and literally means ‘group’ (kapa) and ‘dance’ (haka). Our kapa haka group leads the school at powhiri (formal Māori welcoming ceremonies) and performs for special occasions or for visiting groups. The group also visits outside organisations such as pre-schools to share their performance.

Through participation in kapa haka, our students gain confidence, learn how to communicate, and demonstrate discipline and commitment. It also provides them with a platform for expression, giving them the opportunity to experience success and step up as leaders and role models through a tuakana teina (older person to younger person teaching) approach.

If your child is interested in joining our kapa haka group, please contact:

Kylee Pocklington-Foster: TE AO MĀORI LEADER
kylee.pocklington-foster@hobsonville.school.nz

David Brake:  TE REO MĀORI LEADER
david.brake@hobsonville.school.nz

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Te Reo Māori

Māori culture is something that we at Onekiritea Kura (Hobsonville School) cherish and celebrate. Students have the opportunity to learn te reo Māori in the Novice 1 and Novice 2 phases to develop both language skills and a deep appreciation of the cultural values that are embedded within the language.

Teachers play a vital role in helping students build strong connections between te reo Māori and te ao Māori. Through authentic learning experiences, students explore how language reflects identity, relationships, and community. They learn that te reo Māori can vary across iwi and discover how important values such as manaakitanga (care and respect for others) and whanaungatanga (building and maintaining relationships) influence the way people interact.

By weaving cultural knowledge into everyday learning, teachers help students understand that te reo Māori is a living language that connects people, places, and generations. Students are encouraged to see the language as an expression of belonging, identity, and connection.

While students develop skills across all five language modes—speaking, listening, reading, writing, and interacting—oral language is the foundation of learning in the novice stages. Through regular opportunities to listen, speak, and engage in meaningful conversations, students build confidence and develop the communication skills needed to use te reo Māori in authentic contexts.

Closing Karakia

Summer Days Karakia

Winters Days Karakia

Pasifika Group (Years 4-8)

The Pasifika singing and dance group has been on offer within our school for the past three years. It showcases the different groups of the Pacific. They have opportunities to perform at assemblies, our picnic evening and local cultural festivals.

If your child is interested in joining the Pasifika Group please contact:
olivia.racz@hobsonville.school.nz

Chinese Club – piper.young@hobsonville.school.nz

你好 – Nǐ hǎo, (新年好)- Xīnnián hǎo!

Our group’s aim is to enhance and share knowledge about Chinese Cultural Heritage, led by Miss Young, who is proud to be a Chinese New Zealander.  Our group welcomes all students who are interested in Chinese culture, to get involved in activities ranging from traditional fan dancing, sharing and cooking of recipes and exploring different celebrations.