Porirua RSA Kapahaka History
The group was first formed by two non RSA members, the late Linda Williams and Jonnothan Robin and a member of 28 Maori Battalion, Australia Tanoa. Linda was approached by a member of the Porirua RSA about setting up a Kapahaka Roopu to provide support for ceremonial services for the Porirua RSA and the 28 Maori Battalion. From the discussion held by these people, they spoke to whanau and friends about joining and/or supporting this new venture.
From 15 April 2006, a group of 10 members was formed and they practiced in the garage of Sally Rogers in McKillop Street until June 2006. The tutor at that time, Linda Williams met and invited the sitting President of the Porirua RSA at the time, Aporo Joyce to come along to one of the practices. From this meeting, they were provided with a room at the Porirua RSA to utilise for their practices.
As we were now officially under the umbrella of the Porirua RSA, we required a name and as the roopu comprises of several tribes throughout Aotearoa, we were given “Te Roopu O Nga Hau E Wha Ki Porirua RSA Kapahaka” by Graham Taukamo from Maraeroa Marae. The name given means: “The four winds”.
Our roopu currently has a membership of approximately 30 people of diverse ages and cultures and also includes a kuia and kaumatua. We believe we are a strong group and we support events held by Porirua RSA, 28 Maori Battalion and the community. We are a social or non-competitive group who have come together to learn different waiata from other tribes. Our aim is to revive all songs pertaining to the RSA and 28 Maori Battalion, and to implement other songs for enjoyment.
We would like to give special thanks to everyone that has supported us thus far and hope that you will continue to do so.
About Us
Our Kapahaka roopu is an adjunct of the Porirua RSA. We are unique in being the only one of its kind that is associated or linked to an RSA throughout Aotearoa (NZ).
If you are interested in joining our roopu and/or learning waiata, you are welcome to come along to meet with the roopu. We practise on sunday's at the Porirua RSA 11am to 2 and those who cant make it on the Sunday we do have practise on Tuesday night at 6 p.m at 71 M ckillop st Porirua on a gold coin koha, and any queires contact Irene unsworth (president of the roopu) 04-2377-855 or 0274047224
Porirua RSA Kapahaka 5th Birthday and Memorial Service
Kapahaka celebrates its 5th Birthday in April 2011.
We will also be holding a special memorial performance that day for our founding member and tutor, the late Linda Williams, who passed away on 18 February 2011.
You were small in stature but you had a mountain of passion for the Kapahaka group that you created. You gave so much of yourself: physically, mentally, and spiritually and with love to each and every one of us. We will continue your teachings and you will forever be in our hearts and memories.
Whaea Linda, you will be dearly missed by us all.
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