Waihōpai kapahaka
For the third-year running, tamariki and whānau from Waihōpai Playcentre have taken to the stage at Mīharo Murihiku Polyfest, a much-loved week-long celebration in Invercargill, bringing together schools, early childhood centres, adult groups and whānau family. For the Playcentre whānau, being part of it felt like a natural fit and while their performance may only last a few minutes, the journey behind it is so much bigger.
“We realised Polyfest was such a mainstay. All the schools in the area do it, other early childhood centres too. We thought, well, that would be awesome to be involved in.”
And, of course, there was another very important reason.
“Little kids doing kapahaka is just the cutest thing!”
A journey, not just a performance
Getting 18 tamariki children ready for the stage came with challenges. When asked what the biggest challenge was, Megan’s answer was quick: “Herding tiny children!”. Lol, can you imagine!
But perhaps one of the biggest learnings was recognising that every tamaiti experiences the stage differently. Some confidently stood front and centre. Others did laps, stayed close to Mum, or found their own way to participate.
“And all of it is absolutely okay.”
It’s not about every child performing in the same way. It’s about creating a space where tamariki can participate in a way that feels right for them. Walking onto a stage in front of a big crowd can be daunting for young children and for their parents too.
“We are really proud of how all the tamariki got involved and participated. And the parents being so supportive, it was a relief when we finished our performance. Polyfest was never just about those few minutes on stage. It was about building confidence, learning waiata and te reo Māori, and strengthening the Playcentre whānau along the way. “
Lots of practice and proud moments
Practice became part of their regular Playcentre sessions. YouTube videos with actions helped keep the tamariki engaged, while giving whānau the opportunity to continue practising together at home. In the weeks leading up to Polyfest, dress rehearsals helped the tamariki become familiar with their uniforms and what it felt like to perform together.
The Playcentre also has a special relationship with their local primary school. The tamariki would walk to the school and perform for the junior classes and in return, the school children performed a waiata song for them. It was a beautiful exchange.
“It really is a journey over time, rather than something we rush into, and that is important.”
Thanks to a Community Trust South uniform grant, the tamariki were also able to look the part on stage. The uniforms are more than just what they wear on the day. They help the tamariki feel connected and proud as they stand together on the Polyfest stage.
A stage for whānau
And then there is Mīharo Murihiku Polyfest itself. For these very young performers, it offers a genuine opportunity to stand on a big stage, share their culture, and experience the excitement of performing together. The event is professionally run, with videographers and a livestream, meaning whānau from all over Aotearoa could watch their little ones perform.
“We had family members from across Aotearoa who got to see us performing, which is really special!”
For the Playcentre whānau, it’s a reminder that sometimes the biggest learning happens through simply giving tamariki the opportunity to have a go. There may be wobbly moments, children wandering off, nervous parents and plenty of practising along the way, but there is also fun, connection and a whole lot of manaakitanga care and kindness.
Nau mai, haere mai!
The whānau at Waihōpai Playcentre warmly invites other Playcentres in the region to join them next year.
“We are an entirely parent-led Centre and welcome whatever comes next, nau mai haere mai”
This Playcentre whānau has created something special, a place where tamariki can grow in confidence, celebrate Māori culture, support one another and connect with their wider community, one waiata at a time.
You can watch Waihopai Playcentre’s wonderful performance here.at 15.03 to 20.00 min.
Their performance features one of our taonga, the kākahu kapa haka. Born from a seed planted by Moana Warwood at Glen Innes Playcentre, is a taonga woven with aroha and intention. Created in collaboration with Māori artisan Brendon from The Knit Affair (now Kapa Haka Makers), these garments, tīpare, tātua, and pari, honour Māori traditions and empower tamariki and kaiako through cultural connection.