High School Students Perform Powerful “Haka” At Late Teacher’s Funeral

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We know a lot of influential people that impacted our lives in various ways, and our teachers are probably one of them.

Painful Reality

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No matter how achieved and successful a person is in this world, the sad reality is we will all reach the end of our lives, and when that comes, only our memories shall remain alive with the people whose lives we’ve touched.

Mr. Tamatea’s Career

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Dawson Tamatea was a teacher at Palmerston North Boy’s High School, an all-boys school in New Zealand. He taught Physical Education and Math for about 30 years.

Saying Goodbye

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When he passed away in 2015, the high school closed for a half-day so the students and staff could attend his funeral.

A Tribute

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When Mr. Tamatea’s funeral car entered the gates, the students started their performance of the “Haka”.

Ancestral War Cry

World History Encyclopedia

The “Haka” is a traditional ancestral war cry of the Maori people that was performed by warriors to declare their strength and intimidate the enemy.

Haka During Funerals

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In modern times, “Haka” is also performed for different reasons like welcoming honorable guests, acknowledging achievements, or, during funerals, paying respects to the deceased.

Honoring Mr. Tamatea

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Palmerston North Boy’s High School students decided to honor Mr. Tamatea’s life by lining up and performing the Haka during his funeral.

Powerful Gesture

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The high school students passionately yelled and stomped their feet in a uniform rhythm that was both moving and fascinating. The school said, “This was a very emotional and powerful performance. We are extremely proud of our boys’ performance and we know that Mr. Tamatea would be too.”

Watch the Palmerston North Boy’s High School students’ “Haka” performance during Mr. Tamatea’s funeral in the video below.

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Source: Reshareworthy

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