Congratulations
Adama Gemmell-Coulibaly from the Gemmell whānau, received three trophies, a cup, and was named the best defender for grades nine and 10 and most valuable player for the Western Springs Association Football Club.
His cousin Omar El Hamoui, who is also on his way to becoming a star, recently attended a National Basketball Association (NBA) camp with celebrity personnel, Dwight Howard and USA star, Ricky Rubio. Ricky was impressed with the United Arabs Emirates (UAE) talent in Dubai.
It is pleasing to see that our youth have such potential. Nā Moana Gemmell.
Adama with his football prizes.
Te Ara Whakatipu experience
Henry Te Maiharanui Dwyer and James Te Hautapanui Otu Korako were among the lucky rōpū selected for this year’s Te Ara Whakatipu hīkoi. They both gained valuable experience and knowledge from the programme that was coordinated by a well-orchestrated group of leaders.
Here are some highlights from the boys:
“My highlights were learning about whakapapa and the scenery,” says Henry.
“My highlights were learning more about the bush and natural healing remedies, meeting new whānau and the overall experience,” says James.
The rōpū during their walk on the Hollyford Track.
Otago Polyfest 2015
From 7-8 September, Ōtākou Marae was alive with the sound of laughter, waiaita and haka as we hosted Te Mua Upoko cultural rōpū from our three local primary schools – Portobello, Broad Bay and Macandrew Bay.
The rōpū were hard at practice for the Otago Polyfest arts and entertainment event for all Otago schools and preschools, which was held from 15-18 September at the Edgar Centre in South Dunedin.
Each day featured performances from different age groups with tamariki involved from across Otago, including Te Mua Upoko and Kā Puananī o te Reo.
The final night featured secondary school students from Waitaki Boys’ and Girls’, Otago Boys’ and Girls’ and Kings and Queens High School of whom our rangatahi/teenagers participated. The Bayfield High School kapa haka team included Erena Russell-Harris, William Dawson, Makareta, Koreana, and Te Hori Wesley-Evans.
Ōtākou tamariki who participated in Te Mua Upoko were: Ella and Taiaroa McDonald, Hinehauweka Sarah, Arlo Hedley, Mihiata Wesley-Evans, Sarah and Hanna Langsbury, Ripeka, Timoti and Tuki Potiki, Joe and Jacob Parkinson, Te Waipunahau and Iwikau Te Aika, and Tristan Taiaroa.
Te Mua Upoko getting ready to perform.
Te Mua Upoko up on-stage.
Ella Taiaroa and Sarah Langsbury.
Kā Puananī o te reo.
Kā Puananī o te reo.
He pēpi
Pictured here is the first mokopuna of Donna Isaacson (née Mulqueen). Payton Donna Williamson was born on 11 August weighing 8lb 7oz.
Payton is the daughter of Siobhan Woods and Hayden Williamson of Palmerston North. She is the gorgeous great-mokopuna of Margaret Lois Mulqueen (née Cleaver) and Kevin Mulqueen (Colac Bay).
Baby Payton.
Singing success
To recap, Sianne Dougherty belongs to the West whānau of Bluff and late last year we had an article in Te Pānui Rūnaka highlighting Sianne’s performances on Homai Te Pakipaki.
This year has been busy for Sianne. She has had opportunities to sing alongside Brannigan Ka, Mere Boynton and Caii-Michelle Baker.
In February, Sianne joined the performers opening line-up at Te Rā o te Raukura Festival in Lower Hutt, which headlined acts like Annie Crummer and Ardijah.
Sianne was part of the Matariki Seven Sisters concert held in June at the Opera House in Wellington, and followed this up as a member of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna at the Wellington Regional Secondary Schools’ Kapa Haka competitions, where the group was placed third overall with a first in poi and te reo Māori.
Last but not least, Sianne will be part of a line-up of performers at the Aotearoa Cook Islands Pasifika Cultural Coalesce Concert being held at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua on 31 October. This would be a good opportunity for any Ngāi Tahu whānau living in the area to go along and watch Sianne perform.
Sianne performing at Te Rā o te Raukura Festival.