A special link connected one Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland kura (school) and one Hauraki kura recently.
A Cook Island drum and dance group from Fruitvale School in West Auckland called Tamariki Pasifika visited Matatoki School on September 20. It was the first time the group had performed outside of Auckland in 12 years.
But there was a unique tie between the two kura. Matatoki School principal Hine Viskovich told The Profile it was important for her learners to “build connections with our Pasifika whānau”.
Before taking the helm at Matatoki School in 2022, Mrs Viskovich was deputy principal at Fruitvale School for 14 years. She always sought ways to “continue my connection” and share learning experiences between the schools, she said.
The Cook Island group played a big part in her farewell from Fruitvale School, and wanted to “do me the honour” of visiting and performing at Matatoki School, she said.
“I was so honoured and warmed to have students and whanau from my previous school come and continue their connection with me and share their culture and talents which I enjoyed so much for so many years.”
Matatoki students learnt how to do a drum dance and were able to perform it for their parents, she said.
“Our Kapahaka group performed for them as well. It was beautiful seeing the two groups of students working together and learning from each other.”
The group also performed at Thames High School and at the Thames Markets on September 21, Mrs Viskovich said.
Tamariki Pasifika teacher Ricky Teariki had been a Cook Island drum and dance teacher for many years, Mrs Viskovich said.
He also worked in the mental health space with people who struggled with addiction, teaching them drumming and dancing to help improve their fitness and self esteem, she said.
“Ricky is keen to bring a larger group next time and offer dance workshops and perform for more schools in the area.”
One thing Mrs Viskovich said she was inspired to do was “grow student connections” with schools in her area. Every school has their own strengths, she said.
“Sharing these with each other builds stronger and richer communities of learning.”
