About 250 pupils in years 9 to 13 participated in the school's inaugural inter-house haka and waiata competition. The five houses were judged on their own interpretations, footwork, accuracy and what they brought to the rousing ceremonies, which will be used to welcome new pupils from February.
Mackenzie House was deemed the winner by Kiwi Haka Queenstown director Gareth Johnson, former school board trustee Vivien Kennedy and acting principal Grant Adolph. House representatives accepted a manaia, representing the spirits of haka for men and aroha for women, carved by John Collins, of Bluff, and given by Queenstown parent Greg Burt.
Ngai Tahu representative Darren Rewi and Ngai Tahu Tourism Southern region manager David Kennedy were among the invited guests.
Mr Adolph said yesterday he was proud of how pupils embraced the new dimension to the year-long inter-house competition and proud of staff members who put a lot of time and effort into working with the pupils and performing alongside them.
"Students and staff and parents who were there would have seen a proud school representing the five houses coming together and giving each other mana and respect," Mr Adolph said.
"There was definitely a feeling of connectedness and strength and oneness throughout the stadium and it was all due to the efforts of students."
Principal Lyn Cooper was removed by the Ministry of Education appointed limited statutory manager Peter MacDonald, of Christchurch, in September, following a critical breakdown in communication between senior management and staff in the school.
