In this month’s Local Rag Jacqui caught up with Surf Academy student Te Kauwhata Toka Tu Tahi Te Haua Te Ara Reo Christopher Kauwhata (Te Kauwhata Kauwhata for short).
“Te Kauwhata has been a great addition to Raglan Area School’s Surfing Academy this year. He is a humble student who is always putting others before himself. He has really been a good leader and role model for the group this year and is held in high regard by everyone that knows him,” said Surf Academy teacher Larry Fisher.
Read the interview with Te Kauwhata:
Where are you from?
Lived in Whakapara my whole life, which is just North of Whangarei.
When did you start in the Surf Academy? How did you find out about it and why did you want to make the big move?
This is my first year at the Academy and last year of high school; a few of my mates from home h ave come through the Academy and they would tell me all about it and how awesome it is. I was pretty scared to move so far away from home, but I knew it would be a once in a lifetime experience that I couldn’t really pass up.
Tell us about your education prior to RAS?
Māori was my first language and I was home-schooled when I was young. Mum and Dad are both teachers. When I was 12, I started doing correspondence with Te Kura Pounamu.
How are you enjoying the experience of living here, going to school here and surfing in Raglan?
I love staying in Raglan. I’ve met some real good friends and the surf is really good most the time. The school here is really cool and it’s a small community so you get to know everyone pretty quickly.
What have you learned living away from home?
Definitely learning about how to be more independent.
What comps have you competed in over the last year and how have you gone in them?
I’ve travelled around doing the Surfing NZ Grom Series. I’m ranked 3rd in the Under 18 boys division at the moment, made a few finals and won my first comp in Gisborne earlier this year.
What do you hope to achieve with your surfing?
Just keep surfing for as long as possible and surf overseas later.
Where is your favourite location to surf?
Definitely back home Sandy Bay, best wave in New Zealand.
With it being Maori Language week this month how do you believe learning and speaking Te Reo has enhanced your life?
I’m so lucky to speak Te Reo. It gives me a better understanding of myself. I can connect with heaps of different people.
