Congratulations Plumpton Haka Warrior Students – Excellent Cultural Performances and Connection to Culture

16 Sep 2022

Incredible display of cultural inclusivity by our Pasifika students at the Rooty Hill Coliseum as they performed a combination of creative cultural dance and the Haka at the Haka Warrior competition. Plumpton’s 30 students led by Maroni Thocoleich, Hunter Thocoleich, Andrew Tauga, Wesley Moala, Anitalose Moala, Levi Atileo and Lance Taulia our Pacific Islander Community Liaison Officer performed admirably at the event.

The Haka Warriors program connects youth with their culture. The Haka Warriors program began as an idea by Terrance Harris, who had support from charity PCYC Blacktown to expand it to schools in western Sydney. Now the program has expanded taking in schools from South-Western Sydney.

The president of the Maori Wardens Australia, Rawiri Iti, said he is a proud supporter of the leadership program and what it has done to unify the students.

"Haka - it is about our culture; and more importantly it is about involving all cultures," he said.

With less than 10 per cent of the performers being Maori, Mr Iti said he was pleased to see the embracing of all Pacific Island cultures.

"It brings all the cultures - and they become one. And what it means is that we all become one. And that is what this whole event is about," he said.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Joanne Lee (Jo Jo) who leads the program, Tom and Blacktown PCYC for leading and supporting this highly valued cultural program connecting youth with culture. The program continues to grow with over 500 students performing in 2022.

Tim Lloyd, Principal