It’s not everyday a small-town school stands toe-to-toe with much bigger schools and comes out on top.
But that’s exactly what happened on June 26 when Matatoki School snapped up second place in the junior section at Showquest 2025, Aotearoa’s largest student performing arts competition held at Claudelands Arena, Hamilton.
Around 45 Matatoki kids performed The Stars of Matariki, written by principal Hine Viskovich. “We had a really clear storyline, a message around conservation, which was relatable,” she said. “The challenge was that everyone plays their part to nurture Tāne Mahuta and our environment, and appreciate the beauty of our natural environment, our forests and bird life.
“It was a great community effort too because DOC got involved as well – they lent us some traps.”
That’s not all. Matatoki School also won an Excellence in Culture award, Recognition in Art and Best Story. “I was just so proud of our students,” Hine said.
“I just wanted them to enjoy themselves and have fun and feel confident in their own performance. I just stressed to them that the most important thing is that every single one of you does your part well. And then as a collective, we’re going to be amazing.”
Meanwhile, Hauraki Plains College also received recognition in dance and music at the event.
