St. Thomas’ Haka
Embracing Resilience & Determination
Kaua e hoki i te waewae tutuki, ā, apa anō hei te upoko pakaru.
“Do not turn back because of stumbling feet, but only for a broken head.”
At St Thomas, our haka represents the spirit of perseverance and commitment. It embodies the belief that no challenge is too great to overcome. When faced with obstacles, we do not retreat—we push forward with strength, resilience, and determination. Our haka serves as a reminder to strive for excellence, stay united, and never give up on our goals.
Who can perform the Haka?
- St Thomas Canterbury College students
- Previous College Students (old boys)
- Willing Staff Members (optional)
When the Haka can be performed
- As a mass group (all the school performing it)
- At all Sport Events (for example, rugby, soccer, softball, etc)
- Award Ceremony Events, End of year prize giving, Cultural Events, School Celebrations
When the Haka should not be performed
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
About The Haka
The beginning of the haka is about encouraging young men to have confidence and self-esteem and to prepare them for when they leave the College to become our leaders for tomorrow.
The second part of the haka acknowledges our Catholic and Edmund Rice vision – to embrace and educate minds and hearts in a Catholic school community.
The third part of the haka follows the tradition of the Christian Brothers, founded by Edmund Rice, which will help young men grow and develop at St Thomas Canterbury College.
The fourth part of the haka acknowledges the mission statement and core values of the school.
The last part of the haka is to the students, staff members, parents, and the community. Let us stand together with dignity and pride as we celebrate our school, St Thomas Canterbury College. We should all come together and unite as one just like the proverb “United we stand, divided we fall”.
The school haka is viewed as a taonga, gifted to us. Meaning the mana of this haka is to be upheld, protected, and respected at all times. The haka has been cemented into the schools’ curriculum to ensure it is preserved and protected for the years to come.
KO TE HAKA O HATO TAMATI KĀRETI
Mahi-a-ringa: Nepia Reweti
Taringa whakarongo
Kia rite, kia rite, kia mau
Hi
Tū mai rā ngā Tama Toa
Hi, hi, hi, hā
Ko tenei te timatanga o te kāreti ko tatou tumanako e
I te kura katotika whanui i whakaakona te hinengaro te manawa hei tautoko te kaiwhakaū e
Mā te aha e āwhina Hato Tamati e
Mā te matauranga te painga
Mā te aha e hikitia Hato Tamati e
Mā te whakapono te painga
Mā te aha e whakaawe Hato Tamati e
Mā te mahaki te maramatanga e
Anei te mahi e kī ana o te kura hei whakarite tātou mō āpōpō
Kia whakarato ngā matauranga katorika
Hei wero i a mātou ki ngā maunga teitei akiaki ngā tai tama tāne
Mō te pono, te aroha, me te tika ki te atua
Ka taea e mātou ki te torona atu kia māia
He kaiarahi mo āpōpō
Tū tonu rā, tū tonu rā!
Kia tū kaha, kia tū māia, kia Hato Tamati e
Hi!