Ngaruawahia High School Yearbooks 2010-2012 Kapa Haka Tour of Western USA 1998 | Page 22

Page 20 - Ngaruawahia High School Kapa Haka USA Tour 1998

Just prior to leaving Ngaruawahia for Whâtâpaka Marae on our way to Auckland Airport. Gail Wharakura (lower
right) administered the group’s money during the 18-month fundraising period. Several other parents travelled to
Auckland both on the bus and in private cars to farewell the travellers.

How fortuitous that the Post Primary
Teachers Association had called a strike for
teachers in our region on the day of our departure
and school was out!
The tour group, parents and well-wishers
assembled on Turangawaewae Marae for a formal
farewell. The weather was wet and showery and
there was a little competition for dry seats
alongside the marae as the farewells and replies
were made.

A well-wisher helps the bus driver to clear off the
misted-up window as the bus moves along State
Highway 1 to Papakura.

Suitcases were stacked into the bus outside
the marae on River Road, a check made on
everybody being present and then at 3:00pm we
left for Whâtâpaka Marae in Papakura to pay our
respects to Waiata Kingi (who had lost her life in
a holiday accident on her home marae).
The group looked fine in travel uniform of
black longs or skirts, white shirt and travel jacket.
The journey north saw the inner surfaces of
the bus windows mist up and some ‘on the move’
demisting had to be carried out so that the driver
could see where to go!
The bus made the traditional stop to pay
respects below Taupiri Mountain before
resuming the journey. Another stop was made in
Huntly to collect a bouquet of flowers to place on
the grave of Waiata Kingi at Whâtâpaka Marae.
There was a low level form of excitement
amongst the travellers as they settled in, with
several of the boys isolating themselves between
headphones as they listened to their tapes. The
girls chatted and occasionally broke into a song
or two.
The weather continued to be broken with
occasional showers and bursts of sunshine, not
that anyone in the bus cared!