Bambi Eloriaga-Amago
The entire Palmerston North Boys’ High School (PNBHS) — about 1,700 boys — performed an emotional and powerful haka as a send-off tribute for their beloved teacher, Mr. Dawson Tamatea.
A haka is the traditional war dance of the Maori, the native and indigenous people of New Zealand. Performed by a group, it is a dance accompanied by posturing, stamping, exaggerated facial expressions, and rhythmic war cries. Traditionally done by warriors to show their strength and prowess, and to intimidate the opponent, the haka was made known around the world when the New Zealand football and rugby teams started performing the dance before matches.
Students at the PNBHS thought it a fitting tribute to a respected and well-loved mentor. Mr. Dawson Tamatea worked as a math and PE teacher at PNBHS for 30 years. He was also actively involved in various sports and achievement programs for Maori students.
“We talk about good teachers being able to create and develop relationships with the boys and he just had wonderful relationship with the staff and the boys,” PNBHS’ Rector David Bovey said of Tamatea on Stuff, a New Zealand news website. “His presence in the staff room, in particular, will be missed. He was just such a warm, positive, enthusiastic guy.”
Uploaded on Youtube last July 26, the PNBHS’ haka dance has since gained more than three million views and counting. The emotional and powerful tribute can be viewed in the video below:
