1500 schoolboys to perform powerful haka

One of the largest haka ever witnessed will be performed in Nelson when 1500 Nelson College schoolboys perform their powerful school haka to mark the significance of the first New Zealand Rugby game - which was played in Nelson in 1870.

The powerful haka will be led by Nelson College’s Deputy Maori Head Boy Te Wera Mihaere, whose brother led the haka which welcomed the world to New Zealand in the official Rugby World Cup 2011 Opening Ceremony.

The haka that will be performed is used by Nelson College on special occasions and imbues the performers to get their adrenalin pumping prior to challenges ahead. The haka also incorporates Nelson College’s values, goals and aim of preparing young men to take their place in the world. “Knowing who we are and where we are going motivates us on the sports field or court, in the class room and in our community” said Principal Gary O’Shea “and to be able to celebrate the two teams who played the first game of Rugby in NZ with a haka is a great honour for us.”

The school, which is the oldest state secondary school in New Zealand, has a long legacy of firsts, as well as a vast number of famous old boys including scientist Sir Ernest Rutherford, Rugby League star Simon Mannering, 1 Victorian Cross recipient, 20 former All Blacks and the father of New Zealand rugby, Charles Monro.

Following the haka, a horse-drawn carriage will transport the Mayor and Mayoress of Nelson to the Botanics Reserve where a Re-enactment of the first game of Rugby in New Zealand, played in 1870, will take place. This celebrates Nelson’s position as the Birthplace of New Zealand Rugby and will see Nelson College and Nelson Rugby Club face off using 1870 rugby rules, in replica costumes and surrounded by supporters dressed in Victorian era clothing.