Haka Waiata is one of the proudest traditions at Ōtāhuhu Intermediate School. Each year, our syndicates come together to perform with passion, pride and unity. Through haka, waiata, movement and culture, our students celebrate who they are, where they come from, and the strength of belonging to our kura.

Celebrating Culture, Identity and Belonging

At Ōtāhuhu Intermediate School, Haka Waiata is a proud and special part of who we are as a kura. It brings our students, staff, whānau and community together to celebrate culture, identity, language, leadership and belonging.

Haka Waiata gives our students the opportunity to stand tall, use their voices, show pride in who they are, and represent their syndicate with mana. It is a powerful celebration of teamwork, discipline, passion and school spirit.

Through haka, waiata, movement and performance, our students learn the importance of unity, respect, confidence and collective pride.

Our Annual Haka Waiata

Each year, Ōtāhuhu Intermediate holds our annual Haka Waiata event. This is one of the highlights of our school calendar and a special opportunity for whānau to come together and support their tamariki.

Students perform as part of their syndicates: Kauri, Rimu and Kōwhai. Each syndicate prepares with pride, learning their items, practising together and supporting one another to perform with confidence and passion.

Haka Waiata is more than a performance. It is a chance for students to show commitment, courage, teamwork and leadership. It reflects our school values of Respect, Personal Responsibility, Passion and our vision of Excellence for All — Kia Kounga te Katoa.

Why Haka Waiata Matters

Haka Waiata helps our students connect with who they are, where they come from, and the community they belong to. It supports students to develop confidence, cultural pride, leadership and a strong sense of belonging at school.

For many students, Haka Waiata becomes one of their most memorable experiences at Ōtāhuhu Intermediate. It gives them the chance to perform in front of their peers, teachers and whānau, while contributing to something bigger than themselves.

It also strengthens the culture of our kura by bringing people together through language, music, movement and shared identity.

Winners 2025

Nga Kete o te Wananga: Kauri 

Te Tangata: Kowhai

Korowai: Rimu

Our Syndicate Taonga

As part of Haka Waiata, our syndicates compete with pride for special taonga. These taonga represent important ideas connected to our kura, our people and our place.

Te Tangata

Te Tangata reminds us that people are at the heart of everything we do. It connects to the important message: He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata — What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

Korowai

Korowai represents honour, leadership, care and mana. It reminds us to look after each other, lead with pride, and show respect for our environment and our people.

Nga Kete o te Wananga

Ngā Kete o te Wānanga represents knowledge, learning, wisdom, and growth. It reminds our students that learning is a taonga and that every student has the opportunity to grow, contribute, and strive for excellence.

Learning Through Practice

Students work hard in the lead-up to Haka Waiata. They practise their words, actions, formations and performance skills. They learn to listen, follow instructions, work as a team and take responsibility for their part.

This preparation helps students grow in confidence and understand the importance of discipline, commitment and respect. It is also a time where older students can step up as leaders and support others to succeed.