Shirley Boys’ High School is celebrating a major cultural success after its kapa haka group won the Tūhono Kapahaka Competition on Sunday.

The group finished first overall after a strong performance across several categories, including first place in haka.

Pūmau Tana won both the Kaitātaki Tane male leadership category and Kaikōrero speech category, while Mason Tuhuru was named the top male soloist.

The group also placed second in Waiata Tira and second in Waiata ā ringa.

Acting headmaster Rob Wilson-Pyne told Chris Lynch Media, the result reflected an enormous commitment from the students.

“The success of our Kapa Haka Ropu at yesterday’s Tūhono Kapahaka Competition was a wonderful achievement from an extremely dedicated and proud group of young men.”

He said the students had trained before and after school and during weekends, dedicating themselves to each other, the school and their culture.

“And while winning trophies is great, to me it is growth of Te Ao Maori through the school, that is the true reward.”

Wilson-Pyne said staff and whānau had played an important role in the group’s success.

“Teachers like Matua Chez Waihi and Paora Peawini have brought the group together and inspired them to be the best they can be.”

One of the waiata performed at Tūhono carried particular significance for the school.

Wilson-Pyne said the waiata, written by Matua Chez, recognised former staff member Toby Hunia, who died last year.

“Toby Hunia was instrumental in the rise of kapa haka and Te Ao Maori at Shirley Boys’ High School.”

The result comes during what Wilson-Pyne described as a highly successful term for the school across sporting, academic and cultural activities.

“We are very proud of all the boys in the school and their achievements, both big and small.”

He said the kapa haka success reflected the school’s wider culture and sense of belonging.

“This term has certainly provided us with a lot to be proud of.”