July 30, 2015
Haka for teacher captures world attention
A haka by all 1700 students of Palmerston North Boys High School as the hearse carrying a former teacher pulled into the school grounds has become a worldwide sensation.
A You Tube video of the haka in honour of Dawson Tamatea posted by the school has been viewed more than two million times – gaining more than half a million hits over-night.
The video has also been picked up by news organisations around the world.
Mr Tamatea from Ngati Porou who died in his sleep on Monday week had taught Te Reo Maori, Social Studies and Physical Education at the school for nearly 30 years as well as being in-charge of the Gateway programme which helps students move into the workforce .
The rousing haka which proceeded his tangi was followed by bowed heads and silence as a mark of respect for the revered teacher as the funeral cortege moved into the school grounds.
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