What a wonderful community our Kahui Ako is. OHS hosted the Lalaga event on Friday night. Over 1000 people attended the event. The evening was cool and the hall was hot, the atmosphere was warm, supportive and celebratory.

Students from our 10 Kahui Ako schools came together to showcase their talents. We were treated to some fabulous performances. There were Tongan, Samoan, Cook Island, Tahitian and Scottish cultural performances. The Kapa Haka group from Waterlea primary was impressive. The break dancers, perhaps would have done well at the Olympics! Well done to the students who showed great courage to perform solo in front of a filled-to-capacity hall.

Whether they were dancing, singing, playing an instrument, were in a band, a duo, or were solo, the performances were well received by an enthusiastic and encouraging audience. Food stalls provided plenty to eat and drink to sustain families who had to wait to enter the hall. This was an example of how our diversity enriches our lives. It was an event designed to unite us as a community and it certainly did that.

Huge thanks to the guest judges JP Foliaki, Petmal Lam, Ilaisaane Green and CR. Josephine Bartley and to the Lalaga core group of staff and parents for their organisation of the event.