Papua New Guinea: Māori Cultural Group Inspires Jubilee Catholic School

The rhythmic chants and vibrant energy of Māori culture filled Jubilee Catholic Secondary School in Hohola on May 18, 2025, as students welcomed Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue, a renowned cultural performance group from Rotorua, New Zealand.

The group, visiting Papua New Guinea as part of a cultural and educational outreach, was warmly received by Principal Barbara Miles and student representatives dressed in traditional bilas. Their performance featured powerful waiata (songs), haka (war dances), and poi routines that captivated students and staff alike.

“It was like nothing I’ve seen before,” said Grade 11 student Valerie Auna. “It made me think about how important it is for us to share our own stories too.”

Following the performance, students joined hands-on workshops where they learned poi techniques and even tried a simplified haka alongside their Māori guests.

Year 12 student Joshua Lili said, “Doing the haka made me feel brave. It was like I was standing up for something important.”

The exchange highlighted the spiritual and cultural bonds between Māori and Melanesian traditions—respect for elders, community life, and a connection to land and ancestry.

Principal Miles called the visit “a gift,” while Te Kapa Haka spokesperson Mereana Tamati emphasized, “When we share our culture, we grow stronger together.”

As a parting gift, the group received handcrafted bilum bags and shell necklaces, sealing a moment of Pacific solidarity and mutual respect.

The event, rooted in the spirit of fraternity and indigenous pride, echoed Pope Francis’ call to preserve native cultures and foster human connection.

For the students of Jubilee, it was a transformative encounter—one that sparked cultural pride, friendship, and dreams of future exchange.