The Beating Heart of Cultural Expression at Dilworth - 2024 Cultural Awards

‘Vibrant’ and ‘inclusive’ are words that come to mind describing last week’s Cultural Awards - which brought students, staff and whānau together to honour those who have made outstanding contributions to the cultural life of their school.

Only in Year Two, these awards are becoming taonga to Dilworth, fostering a dynamic and inclusive community.

This moving and dynamic event was supported by Mattie Naseri, Matua Jacob De Berry, and Tristan Ah Sui. It was entirely staged by Dilworth’s Cultural Committee, with Robert Rewi (Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Manawa) and Olo Tusani (Savaia, Tafagamanu Lefaga, Fagali Leauva’a) joint MCs.

The event was the culmination of a huge effort that has gone in across the year on the part of so many students, staff and parents. Cultural Team members Louis Saolotoga and Uiketapu Vainikolo (Year 12) made time to catch up with us just before this year's awards to explain more - we wanted to know about the mahi of the Cultural Committee, the highlights of this year for them and just what it means to be part of this wonderful team of ākonga

Louis and Uiketapu said that one of the great things about this Committee is that everyone gets a go. “The jobs are spread amongst everyone, so everyone gets the opportunity to lead”. And sure enough, we didn’t see ‘A-Listers’ dominating centre stage on the night - younger students took up the role of MC while many prefects were flat-out preparing food.

Another key theme was inclusivity. Louis: “A highlight has been working with diverse people and different cultures and celebrating with them across the school year. It is great to see students responding to their own cultures and embracing others - Chinese Language Week, for example”.

Both students were fizzing about the year, but Polyfest and the second place awarded to the Samoan Group stood out as an absolute highlight. They said it put Dilworth “on the map for culture for other schools to see,” and the invitations started coming in.

Uiketapu: “After we got second in Polyfest, that place was so well recognised on social media and meant so much to our boys and their work.
We were (then) invited to perform at the Matariki Fiafia Festival at Whangaparoa College and Kapa Haka during the Opening week for Matariki, and the Tongan Group was invited to the Opening Ceremony at Tongan Language Week. “

When asked what being part of the Cultural Committee means, Louis said, “It gives pride in our culture to see others inspired—it makes students proud of who they are.”

Mattie Naseri and Matua Jacob De Berry were acknowledged for their contributions to the year and awards on the night. Adding to the sentiments of both Louis and Uiketapu, Mattie Naseri said the stand-out for her has been “Seeing culture evolve at Dilworth, the strength of student voice in its second year running, and collaboration with parents and community.”

Mr Tom Murdoch, Head of Senior Campus, echoed that sentiment in his opening address, noting that students had taken these awards to the next level this year. “Our students yearn with all their hearts to express their culture, and in response, the Cultural Committee has designed this evening to reflect that”.

He said, “Tonight, we as staff can sit proudly and watch a truly student-led school culture. Last year, I mentioned that we had given the students the keys, and with the guidance of some dedicated staff, we sat back and let them take control of the steering wheel. This year, our students have taken the car for a drive, stopped at the mechanic's shop, and come back with a supped-up version of the family wagon… MAG wheels and all”.

Ms Tonia Calverley presented the Premier Service to Culture Awards, Mr Tom Murdoch, Cultural Colours Pasifika Tongan. Mattie Naseri presented the Pasifika Samoan Awards, and Mr Jacob De Berry presented Cultural Colours, Hapa Haka.

A very special section of the ceremony was dedicated to acknowledging the efforts of our departing kapa haka tutors, particularly Taituwha and Andrea King who have been tutoring and leading our kapa through Polyfest for the last 10 years. Horua Samson (Year 12) acknowledged our tutors' significant impact, including Matua Mauri Hohepa and Matua Mātangireia.
Pa Taituwha responded with humour and words of encouragement before the tutor group and whānau moved the crowd with a stunning waiata.

In his closing address, Mr Dan Reddiex, Headmaster, congratulated all this year’s winners and all those who had contributed to the success of the evening. He noted that the “Multi-cultural life celebrated in our community requires support in the foreground and background”, and he went on to thank all the teachers and whānau community, particularly noting the contribution of Matua de Berry and Mattie Naseri, whose contribution he said was “Nothing short of remarkable”.

As he closed, Mr Reddiex said that as he reflected on his pōwhiri in 2019, he recalls being told: “That the school would learn a lot from him but that he would also learn a lot from the students and the community”.

Award Winners 2024

Most Valuable Performer - Kahurangi Matua - Teina	Sinclair Strickland
Most Valuable Performer - Kahurangi Matua - Tuakana	Joshua (Rehutai) Baker
Most Valuable Performer - Ua maoa'e le taumafai - Junior	Parker Stevens
Most Valuable Performer - Ua maoa'e le taumafai - Senior	Louis Saolotoga
Most Valuable Performer - Tokotaha faiva lelei taha - Junior	Joshua Havili
Most Valuable Performer - Tokotaha faiva lelei taha - Senior	Latu Talamai
Service to Culture	Logan Brown
Service to Culture	Joshua (Rehutai) Baker
Cultural Performer of the Year	Joshua Futi