Wishing you a very merry Christmas! đ
The Neighbourly Team wishes you a very merry Christmas! đ Enjoy your day and all those around you. Holidays can be a lonely time so if you can, check on your neighbours this festive season!đ
The Persistent Student (Day 3)
In a small town on the North Island of New Zealand, there was a young MÄori student named Te Rangi who lived with his whÄnau in a rural area. Te Rangi was a high school student, studying for his NCEA qualifications, and he had a particular passion for performing the hakaâa traditional MÄori dance that his iwi (tribe) had been practicing for generations.
Te Rangi was also a member of his schoolâs kapa haka group, a team that performed MÄori cultural songs and dances for various competitions and events. However, unlike many of his classmates, Te Rangi wasnât raised in an urban environment where MÄori language and traditions were easily accessible. He had learned haka from his kuia (grandmother) and his uncle, but he was aware that many of the other students in his kapa haka group came from whÄnau that were more involved in te ao MÄori (the MÄori world) and were better at mastering the haka and te reo MÄori.
The school year was coming to a close, and the big regional kapa haka competition was approaching. Te Rangi felt the pressure. He knew his group had strong performers, but he was worried about his own ability to perform well under the scrutiny of judges, especially when it came to the solo haka part of the competition. This section of the performance required deep emotional connection, precision in movements, and the ability to lead with confidenceâskills Te Rangi was still developing.
One week before the competition, something unexpected happened. The kapa haka groupâs tutor, who had been guiding them for months, fell ill and could no longer lead the group. The students were told they would have to perform without their tutor, and the responsibility fell on the shoulders of the older students in the group, including Te Rangi. They would have to organise their own rehearsals and make sure everything was ready in time for the competition.
Most of the students were worried and frustrated. They felt like they had lost their guide, and many of them struggled to stay focused. Te Rangi, however, decided that he wasnât going to let the situation stop him. While the others were distracted by the uncertainty, he started staying after school to practice his haka on his own. He would go to the marae (MÄori meeting house) in the evenings to connect with the land and the spirit of his ancestors, seeking the strength to improve his performance.
He practiced the haka over and over, refining his movements, listening carefully to the words, and even studying the history and meaning behind the chants. He sought advice from his uncle and aunties, who taught him the deeper significance of the haka beyond the movementsâthe emotional strength, the mana (prestige), and the connection to whakapapa (ancestry).
On the day of the competition, Te Rangi was ready. When it came time for his solo haka, the crowd was captivated. His movements were sharp, his voice was strong, and his eyes burned with the confidence and pride that only someone who had connected deeply with their culture could express. He led the haka with such conviction that the audience felt the spirit of his ancestors rise with him.
In the end, his school didnât win first place at the competition. But Te Rangiâs performance stood out, and he was praised by the judges for his commitment to his culture and his ability to overcome adversity. His classmates, who had been doubtful and distracted, were inspired by his persistence and determination. They, too, began to practice harder, and the group as a whole performed better than they had imagined.
While Te Rangi didnât walk away with a trophy, he left the competition with something far more valuable: the knowledge that perseverance, hard work, and dedication to his roots had led to a performance that he could be truly proud of. He had earned respect from his peers, from the judges, and from himself.
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Moral of the Story:
Te Rangiâs success came not from being the best dancer or having the most natural talent, but from his dedication to improvement and his unwavering focus. His story teaches that no matter what challenges or obstacles one faces, if you persist and put in the effort, you can overcome them and grow stronger. Whether it's in the haka, a classroom, or any other aspect of life, persistence and dedication are the keys to success.
The Neighbourhoodâs Brainiest: Can YOU Solve Todayâs Riddle?
You see a boat filled with people.
It has not sunk, but when you look again you donât see a single person on the boat.
Why?
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Rymanâs Walk in Wednesdays
Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in November.
Experience the Ryman lifestyle and learn about our living options, tour our showhomes and discover the wonderful amenities on offer.
Click to find out more information.
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