Students at an all boys school in New Zealand paid tribute to a beloved teacher at his funeral.
An entire high school in New Zealand paid tribute to a beloved teacher at his funeral by performing the traditional Haka routine.
Students from Palmerston North Boys’ High School carried out the dance in front of a hearst carrying Dawson Tamatea, 55, this weekend - and the powerful performance was captured on video.
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Mr. Tamatea was a physical education and math teacher at the school for almost 30 years. He passed away in his sleep, according to reports, on July 20. He leaves behind a wife and three children.
The Haka is the traditional war dance of the Maori people of New Zealand.
The dance is also used to honor guests at ceremonies, as well as the countries professional sports teams like Rugby, soccer and basketball to perform in order to intimidate the opponent.
The school wrote on its YouTube channel: "We are extremely proud of our boys' performance and we know that Mr. Tamatea would be too."
Thousands attended Mr. Tamatea’s funeral and the school posted the dance on its Facebook page where students, past and present, paid tribute to the beloved teacher.
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One viewer commented: “Powerful, powerful stuff! I had goosebumps. Brilliant.”
A former student added: “He would be proud at such a tribute.”
Another former student wrote: “Awesome send off for a great man, well done boys did the school proud.”
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