Cultural Groups
Auckland Grammar School is fortunate to have a number of different cultural groups, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the Grammar community. The young men involved demonstrate pride in their cultural heritage through assembly performances, cultural evenings and local competitions. Cultural groups include Kapa Haka, Pasifika, Sri Lankan, Korean, Asian and Indian.
The Asian Cultural Group started over 20 years ago, initially as a small group that promoted awareness of the diverse cultural backgrounds from students of China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and other East Asian countries.
The group welcomes all students who are interested in the culture to get involved in activities including the Chinese Diabolo, Lion and Dragon Dance, which contribute to the annual Chinese Extravaganza with Epsom Girls’ Grammar School.
There are also groups that allow students to get in touch with modern culture through activities like Chinese Hip Hop and Modern Dance, Japanese Drama, and Anime Club
For the senior students we provide opportunities to give back to the School through becoming a Tutor and offering free academic assistance in a range of subjects to junior students on a weekly basis.
The Korean Cultural Group performs its own special Korean Extravaganza every year over two evenings in the Centennial Theatre.
A joint event in conjunction with Epsom Girls’ Grammar School, the Extravaganza is always a great success, attracting full houses each night. Many hours of work go into the event, both on practices and in creating a fabulous array of costumes and props.
The Sri Lankan Cultural Group began in 2005, when a group of students got together to share their culture and give back to the School for all they had received from Grammar. They offer tutorials for less able students and this has received much support.
The group participate in inter-cultural group sporting events within the School including football, rugby, basketball and an indoor cricket tournament with the Indian Cultural Group.
The aim of the Indian Cultural Group is to enhance the knowledge about their heritage and to display elements of the Indian culture to the rest of the School.
The group shares an important part in Grammar’s Cultural Activities, including Cultural Week during Term 1, the annual Cultural Evening in Term 2 and Grammar’s International Food Festival in Term 3.
During Cultural Week, the Group presents information on Indian dance, music, special places of Interest, food and languages. For Cultural Night, the group perform a skit, dance or showcase Indian Music through Classical Instrumental performances and for the International Food Festival members prepare delicious Indian Food for sale along with Other Cultural groups and proceeds of this festival is generously donated to a New Zealand Charity.
Accompanying these main events, the group meets throughout the year for shared lunches and to rekindle friendships, educate each other about their own cultural experiences and also try different foods.
The 2023 leader of the Pasifika group is P. H. Schuster
Schuster has been an integral member of the School’s Pasifika groups for the last four years. He is a fluent speaker of the Samoan language and is an instrumental leader this year, in Samoan song. He has displayed maturity and mana in the lead up to the annual Polyfest festival which took place at the end of March.
The 2024 leader of the Kapa Haka group is S. H. A. S. Peita
Peita has been a key member of the Kapa Haka since Form 3. Peita is a strong leader who displays great maturity and mana. He has led the team well in the initial weeks of practice. He prides himself on maintaining high standards with his performance and ensuring discipline in rehearsal.