BICULTURALISM “Poipoia te kakano, kia puawai.” – “Nurture the seed and it will blossom.” The Biculturalism Committee was a new addition to Te Kura o te Karaiti – Christ’s College – this year and I can confidently say that it has already made a lasting impact. As a result of the ‘seeds’ planted by the committee and its mentors, biculturalism at College is indeed, blossoming. The year began with the revival of the kapa haka programme and with it, a breakfast launch for boys and whaˉnau, which is to become an annual tradition. An in ux of eager juniors as well as passionate and experienced tutelage from Matua Te Huaki Puanaki resulted in a group of greater numbers and strength than College has ever seen. Due to personal reasons, Matua Te Huaki had to take leave throughout the year. However the Bicultural committee stepped up to the challenge and conducted practices in his absence. The mahi the boys put in was evident as we opened the annual House Music Festival with haka, waiata and whaikorero – the rst time the event has been opened in such a way. The committee also took strides to improve the school-wide knowledge of the College haka, running
be seen in the hands of whatever art thief rushed off with the masterpieces after lunchtime. Unfortunately, Term 3 plans were hindered and put on hold along with many other things around New Zealand, due to the resurgence of Covid-19, although seeds have been sown for future poetry events, theatre sports competitions and possibly a more extensive interhouse arts cup. What the committee has accomplished with these events may seem joke- like on the surface, but it has made the arts accessible to those hesitant to try something new. Displays of music, fine arts, comedy or drama around the school, along with bite-sized opportunities and fun are what get the student body involved. After someone has dipped their toes they are more likely to dive headfirst into a production, a band or committing to create their wondrous fine art. These are the things that can bring fulfilment to anyone. To all those who helped the committee accomplish these events with technological assistance, safety supervision, participation, or words of wisdom, thank you. Everybody’s continued support of the arts will make the best of us. Josh Jolly Head of Arts and Culture
lunchtime practices for individual year groups. The result of this was a stirring supporters’ haka at the annual Christchurch Boys’ High School rugby match, and our boys having newfound confidence to deliver our haka with pride, strength and unity. In order to provide support for our Maˉori and Pasifika boys, we established the Maˉori and Pasi ka Students group or ‘MAPS’. We meet every Thursday at lunchtime, share kai, play games and discuss issues we may be having. This has given the boys a place to feel comfortable in their cultures away from normal school life and has helped us establish strong tuakana/ teina relationships through which juniors can easily look to seniors for support. I cannot mention MAPS without thanking Riki Clark, who has been instrumental in establishing the group and is the kindest of mentors. A big thank you also Steve Everingham, who the boys know has a heart of gold and never fails to keep us in good spirits. Te Wiki o te Reo Maˉori occurred at the end of Term 3 and I have had few prouder moments than ying the Tino Rangatiratanga ag above the school for the rst time. This was a testament to the school’s movement toward biculturalism and exempli ed the successes of the week. At the beginning of the
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