Tomorrow one of the largest haka ever witnessed to celebrate the first game ever played in Nelson in 1870

One of the largest haka everwitnessed will be performed in Nelson tomorrow when 1500 Nelson Collegeschoolboys perform their powerful school haka to mark the significance of the first New Zealand Rugby game, which was played in Nelson in 1870.

The powerful haka will be led by NelsonCollege’s Deputy Maori Head BoyTe Wera Mihaere, whose brother led the haka which welcomed the world to New Zealand in the official Rugby World Cup 2011 Opening Ceremony.

The haka that will be performed is used by Nelson Collegeon special occasions and imbues the performers to get their adrenalin pumpingprior to challenges ahead. The haka also incorporates Nelson College’svalues, goals and aim of preparing young men to take their place in the world. “Knowing who we are and where we are going motivates us on the sportsfield or court, in the class room and in our community” said PrincipalGary O’Shea “and to be able to celebrate the two teams who playedthe first game of Rugby in NZ with a haka is agreat honour for us.”

The school, which is the oldest state secondary school inNew Zealand, has a long legacy of firsts, as well as a vast number of famousold boys including scientist Sir Ernest Rutherford, Rugby League star SimonMannering, 6 Victorian Cross recipients, 19 former All Blacks and the father ofNew Zealand rugby, Charles Monro.

Following the haka, a horse-drawn carriage will transportthe Mayor and Mayoress of Nelson to the Botanics Reserve where a Re-enactmentof the first game of Rugby in New Zealand, played in 1870, will take place. This celebrates Nelson’s position as the Birthplace of New Zealand Rugbyand will see NelsonCollege and Nelson RugbyClub face off using 1870 rugby rules, in replica costumes and surrounded by supporters dressed in Victorian era clothing.