The Rolling Haka – Upper Hutt

In 2011 a member of the community had a terrific idea. They put together a rolling haka to welcome and support the White Ribbon Riders as they moved through Upper Hutt. Wellington weather, for non-locals, was gale force winds and rain, which made the event one for only the hardy. And yet some brave lads from Silverstream, St Pats Heretaunga, Maidstone and St Joseph’s, still turned out.

12 schools lined the road welcoming the riders

2012 saw a return to normal weather patterns with the Wellington sun, resuming its traditional position in the sky, so with better weather the scene was set for a record turnout with some 12 schools participating. It was a great event that saw schools coming together to loudly support the kaupapa. Mat Davis, the Rolling Haka organiser from Orongomai Marae Social Services, explains.

“Firstly I would like to congratulate everyone for supporting the White Ribbon Campaign. The riders were amazed to see our community stand up in such numbers and challenge violence towards women through our schools and youth.

The event was filmed by TV One News, Oosh Media (local media company), Stuff and Māori TV with NZ Herald photographers and local media on hand to record the hundreds of youngsters lending their voices to the anit-violence campaign.

A huge mihi to all the school co-ordintators who had the biggest job of getting their schools there. Kaylene (Pinhaven), Davida (Silverstream), Joanne (St Brendon’s), Trevor (Hibs), Jackie (Upper Hutt College), Gillian (Trentham), Viv (Maidstone), Peter (Upper Hutt Primary), Elsie and Briony (St Joseph’s) Shirley (Ferguson Intermediate), Cole from Vibe (Jacket Boys) and all the Principals and other supporters and those such as Salvation Army Training College who spontaneously joined in.

The riders asked me to also pass on their thanks, they were simply blown away by your support. One rider said he was almost driven to tears when he saw our little ones out there supporting their week long ride.

Let’s hope we can make this an annual event”.

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Additional Rolling Haka media coverage:

NZ Herald video with Trevor Lawerence – Hutt International Boys’ School

Te Karere – Māori News cover the Rolling Haka

One News Website with coverage of the Rolling Haka