Kapa haka teacher Ed Te Moana is a study in pride, dedication and talent.
The Tauranga Intermediate teacher sees himself as a cultural mentor, instilling in his students the skills he was taught by older members of his whānau, some of whom are now with him only in spirit.
And it's that appreciation of tradition his young performers are taking to the Te Mana Kuratahi primary school kapa haka competition in Nelson this week.
The national showcase is the culmination of more than two months of hard training for Matua Ed's troupe, including three day "camps" during school holidays.
'Be proud of who you are'
His message to them: "Believe in yourself and be proud of who you are and those who came before you."
The kapa haka trophies at Tauranga Intermediate stand as impressive testimony to the power of his work, and the respect he engenders in his students.
"A lot of the kids show happiness because they are passionate about what they are doing, and that reinforces to me how much love they have for the performance.
"It's incredibly humbling.
"I just want my students to know they are worthy, feel empowered and realise they can conquer anything at school, at home and in the community."
Principal Cameron Mitchell said Matua Ed has high expectations, but knows the rangatahi have the ability to reach those heights.
"It's who he is, it's what he has always done. We are really fortunate to have him."
Equally Matua Ed knows how fortunate he is.
"I'm very grateful for the aroha I receive, and that's special to my heart and my whānau."
Matua Ed is this week's ASB Good As Gold recipient and receives $10,000 in recognition of his unstinting support for his students and their kapa haka ambitions.
If you know a deserving New Zealander you'd like to nominate for ASB Good as Gold, click here.
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