Maromaku is a predominantly farming community located just south of Kawakawa. In Maromaku, you will find a tight knit community with a local school of 27 students from Year 0 to Year 8. Throughout 2023, Maromaku School worked on a project aimed at celebrating diversity and empowering young minds, the I Am Legend project. Designed with tamariki aged 5-11 years in mind, the programme goes beyond traditional dance instruction, weaving together storytelling, cultural exploration, inclusivity and movement. It is a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and celebration of uniqueness. The programme, spanning across 10 weeks, invites tamariki to explore their identities through movement, guided by themes of Māori atua such as Ranginui, Tangaroa, Tāne Mahuta, Papatūānuku, and Tāwhirimātea. 

Maromaku School Principal, Paula Ashcroft, says, “It is just so hard to portray the feeling of accomplishment that was felt by everyone involved”. She notes how the kaupapa led to student empowerment and increased confidence in their abilities.

One of the core aims of the I Am Legend project was to break down barriers to participation commonly faced by tamariki who may not typically particpate in traditional sports. Through dance and movement, tamariki who may traditionally not engage in sporting activities found avenues for active participation and leadership roles within the programme. This consideration extended to all, regardless of background or ability, seeking to keep tamariki active in unique ways while aiming to remove dance and movement stereotypes.

“We want our tamariki to thrive actively and feel part of something bigger that allows them to see the best version of themselves while celebrating and embracing their diversity and uniqueness.” Adrienne Kehoe

Above: Tamariki ready for their performance

It’s all part of the process

As the weeks progressed, tamariki immersed themselves in dance and movement sessions, guided by Adrienne a parent and Board of Trustee member. The programme concluded with a performance, not only for the school community but also for neighbouring schools such as Motatau and Hikurangi, with Maromaku travelling, or schools visiting them. This created an opportunity for I Am Legend to also serve as an educational platform, promoting social awareness of ways to move that aren’t traditional sport and how a small school is capable of putting on such a perfomance.

“Through dance, we tell stories. Stories of our culture, our history, and most importantly, stories of who we are,” remarks Adrienne.

Tamariki at the centre

At the heart of I Am Legend is collaboration. The programme actively seeks input from tamariki and their whānau, ensuring that their voices shape the creative process. Senior students and a group of girls aged 7-11 were instrumental in developing characters and ideas for the performance, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusivity.

The “I Am Legend” dance programme stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and the resilience of young minds. It is more than a performance; it is a reflection of Maromaku community coming together to uplift, empower, and celebrate the next generation.

 

Community Impact Award

In March 2024, Maromaku School was recognised with receiving a community impact award for the I Am Legend project, acknowledging how this kaupapa created more community connections and built relationships all around. The project not only showcased the talents and growth of the students, but also inspired neighbouring schools, highlighting the potential for creative initiatives to bring about positive inspiration. The lasting effects of the initiative continue to show in the community, paving the way for future kaupapa and changing the culture of the school for the better.  

 

Next Steps

Adrienne is currently focused on securing funding to sustain the momentum of the project. In a broader context, she has her sights set on a matariki focused kaupapa. Adrienne remains committed to leveraging creative expression to expand childrens movement experiences, aiming to bring new dimensions of learning and growth to their educational journey.

Story Written by Sport Northland Healthy Active Learning team.