Over 1,700 students both past and present perform an emotional Haka at the funeral for Dawson Tahana Tamatea, 55, a beloved teacher at Palmerston North Boys’ High School in the North Island.

Tamatea had taught at the school since 1986 and sadly passed away in his sleep on July 20th, 2015. Mr. Tamatea taught Te Reo Maori – the traditional Maori language, and was also the school’s Dean of Student Achievement for 29 years. The Haka is a traditional Maori war dance and this particular rendition was the school’s version which translates to:

 

Be prepared take hold
Reach out
We of Palmerston North Boys’ High School stand steadfast
Within our Domain
Standing firm
Standing proud
Standing with respect
To uphold
To uplift
To uplift
To uphold
The prestige of our school
Our aims are to seek knowledge
And reach our goals and aspirations
Seek the horizon of aspirations
And draw near to it
Those aspirations that are near, take them
And it be known, yes, let it be known
Let your adrenalin abound high above
It is done!!!