With stamping feet, chest beating, and emotional cries, the young men created one of the most moving farewells imaginable.
The Haka is more than a performance—it’s a symbol of strength, unity, and respect.
In this case, it was also a way for students to show gratitude for the life and legacy of a man who had given them so much.
Mr. Tamatea leaves behind his wife and three children, but also hundreds of “sons” in the students whose lives he shaped.
His farewell is a reminder of the deep bonds teachers can create and the lasting impact they leave behind.