School Haka / Tū Mana

By OBHS | Posted: Tuesday October 31, 2023

The School Haka took approximately 18 months to develop and complete. It has evolved over the past 100 years and different generations have added something to it.

Having the ability to connect in a more meaningful way is important. We want all our boys to culturally feel proud of who they are regardless of where they come from. The school values, brotherhood and unity, and aspirational goals are intertwined in this haka.

The new haka is called "Tū Mana" — which means to stand proud of who you are and where you come from. This haka is in Kai Tahu dialect (local Mana Whenua of this area).

No matter what your background story is, everyone has an opportunity and a place to be successful at Otago Boys’ High School. This haka embodies this sentiment. The haka Tū Mana has been composed by Mr Vai Mahutariki.

Tū Mana

Whakapiri mai, kia tū kotahi ai

Me oho

Kai mua i te aroaro o Mihiwaka

Kai ruka i Ōtākou

Ka whai i kā Rakatira, kā niho roa o te kura

Tukua

Ka roko i te karaka, ko wai ka tū?

Tū Mana - kia kotahi mātau, whāia Te Iti Kahuraki

Whakaute

Hiraka

Hōnore

Toa

Manawanui

Ka tū matau hai kanohi o tatau tīpuna. E rere ko Kahuraki, ko mā, kā tae o te kura.

Ka Tū Mana.

Ka haere te wā

Ka hoki kā whakaaro

Tū Mana

Tū Tākata

Tū Mana

Tū Rakatira

Tū Mana

Tū Oraka

Tū Mana

Tū Kaha, i kā wā katoa

Kia eke panuku

Ko Kā Tamatoa o Ōtākou

Kia tū kotahi ai mātau

Hi aue Hi……Ha

English translation

Gather yourselves, one brotherhood

Arise to the occasion

Before (in front of) the gaze (protection) of (Mt Cargill)

Above the Otago Harbour (that flows below our hallowed turf)

We follow in the memory of those OBHS leaders/old boys before us.

Take action

When you hear the call to action, who stands with me?

Our unity and the everlasting pursuit of excellence.

Respect

Excellence

Honour

Courage

Perseverance

We stand as a face (reflection) of our ancestors (the blood of my ancestors flows through my veins). As do the colours blue and white. I will make them proud.

As the years go rolling by

Shall memory rise and call to mind the days that long have sped.

Stand proud

Stand as one people / brotherhood

Stand proud

Stand as leaders

Stand proud

Stand in unity, in wellbeing

Stand proud

Stand strong, always.

We will rise above all challenges

Otago Boys’ High School

As one we stand

Let it be so.