Te Tai ō Rēhia: A celebration of culture and connection
Posted on October 23, 2025
Last week, Macleans College was proud to host Te Tai ō Rēhia - the East Auckland Kapa Haka Festival. The day was filled with mana, wairua and aroha, celebrating te ao Māori and the incredible talents of rangatahi.
The festival brought together more than 500 students from seven local kura; Bucklands Beach Intermediate, Bucklands Beach Primary School, Pigeon Mountain Primary School, Mellons Bay School, Macleans Primary School, Owairoa Primary School, and Macleans College.
For many Macleans College students, the event was a homecoming of sorts, as they once attended Bucklands Beach Intermediate and participating primary schools. This connection fostered a strong sense of whakawhanaungatanga and manakitanga throughout the day. Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki also supported the kaupapa and ensured tikanga was upheld.
From the opening pōwhiri, the rangatahi shared their aroha, mana and energy through every waiata and haka. Their performances reflected a beautiful tuakana-teina spirit, with older students guiding and encouraging the younger students.
The day stood as a powerful celebration of Te Ao, Te Reo, and Tikanga Māori - a living expression of identity, pride and unity. The mana, wairua, whakahī and sense of belonging were felt by all who attended.
‘Ēhara tākū toa i te toa takitahi, engari kē he toa takitini.’ This whakataukī reminds us that success is achieved through collective effort. The success of Te Tai ō Rēhia was made possible through the dedication of the Macleans College kaiako and ākonga, supported by whānau, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and the wider community.
A heartfelt ka rawe to the Macleans College Kapa Haka Rōpū - you made the school whakahi (proud).
