TOKOROA FESTIVAL contd from p. 39

Te Ao Hou, December 1966, Page 41

TOKOROA FESTIVAL contd from p. 39 the finishing touch. All the participating schools sent very capable pupils to display these arts and the whole Festival was performed by these children. They handled it and accomplished it well. This meant that all who participated saw meaning in what they were learning, and in being given an ultimate goal, they worked with more interest and vigour. The children gained much valuable knowledge of their own culture, and even more important, it gave them a deep sense of pride in what they were doing and accomplishing. This was their culture and part of their heritage—no wonder they gained so much. Over 1,400 children saw these displays over the two days and gained unlimited knowledge and valuable material for follow-up classroom activities. On 10 August, the Festival ended with a Grand Maori Concert lasting three very enjoyable hours. The four parties to perform were: Matarawa Primary School, Waioeka Maori School, Bethlehem Maori School, Tokoroa Intermediate School. Overall, this child-centred Maori Culture Festival was an enormous success. It proved the worth and capabilities of children who are interested and can see meaning in what they are doing. All visitors gained much valuable information, and the exchange of knowledge, the friendships that were made, and even the participation of a Pakeha, a Pacific Islander, and a Canadian girl did much to promote the Maoritanga we need so much in our children of today.