Ngaruawahia High School Yearbooks 2010-2012 Kapa Haka Tour of Western USA 1998 | Page 26

Page 24 - Ngaruawahia High School Kapa Haka USA Tour 1998

The group assembled at the departure doors
where a farewell waiata was sung. Jake Puke, one
of the parents, responded with a chant on behalf
of the whanau and then the boys performed the
haka “Hei Oranga”. It was indeed a moving
experience.
By this stage the farewell sounds had
attracted many more onlookers from the airport.
Most of the shops around the area were emptied
as customers and retailers alike came to watch the
families say goodbye.

Just prior to our leaving a group of young
soccer players from the Auckland area were
departing for a tournament in Dallas, Texas.
There were a few exchanges of pleasantries as
adults from both groups excitedly swapped
itineraries.
Sandy MacDonald spent time taking
photographs of the families while Isaac Royal
faithfully recorded the same on Richard
Crawford’s video camera.

A view of those who came to see off the group, watching the tourists giving a farewell waiata and haka.

Looking from the rear of the well-wishers to the touring group performing at the Auckland airport.