NEW ZEALAND – July 28, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – A moving tribute to a beloved teacher by the entire student body who attend an all boys school in New Zealand is quickly spreading across the globe.
Dawson Tahana Tamatea, 55, a teacher at Palmerston North Boy’s High School passed away on July 20, 2015 in his sleep.
As part of his funeral procession, nearly 1,700 students began the Haka, a traditional Maori war dance. It started as the hearse carrying Tamatea’s body enters the school grounds and ends when they all spread out and form an opening along the pathway for the hearse.
According to a post by Katrina Manderson, a parent of a boy that attends the school, Tamatea wrote the Haka, “My son told me this, so it is so respectful that they performed it for him.”
On the school’s Facebook page the administration expressed their feelings about the emotional performance. “This was a very emotional and powerful performance. We are extremely proud of our boys’ performance and we know that Mr. Tamatea would be too!”
Parents, students and the community shared fond memories of Tamatea who taught at the school for nearly 30 years.
An online tribute to the teacher had many heartfelt condolences.
Greg Browne posted “Mr T, I was lucky enough to test your ear pulling at Monrad Intermediate, and then again at PNBHS, A legend teacher, passionate softballer, very capable tennis player, best of all a mentor to many. You still said Hi, years after my school days. My thoughts are with your family, your school and the 1,000’s that will miss you for years to come. Thank you Sir.”
Tracey Mckinnon said “Mr Dawson Tamatea was one of my son’s teachers at PNBHS. He took my son under his wing and nurtured him like he was one of his own. For this I am truly grateful. You were an amazing man. Love and prayers to your whanau Mr. Dawson xoxo”
Vivienne Woolston said “Such huge heartfelt respect to a man we would have wanted any of our young men to know R.I.P.”
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