It’s graduation season around Aotearoa, and one Kiwi woman was celebrated with a surprise haka that left the whole ceremony in awe.
Kiisha Rose Woodhouse graduated from the Ara Institute of Canterbury earlier this month, donning her cap and gown. She walked across the stage with her child in her arms and was celebrated with a powerful solo haka from her biggest supporter - her partner Justiz.
Justiz stood proud and gave the most ‘beautiful’ and ‘moving’ support for Kiisha’s massive milestone of graduating in IT Cyber Security.
“One of the greatest moments was being able to walk across the stage with my son and receive a surprise tautoko from my love,” Kiisha wrote alongside the clip, which has been viewed over 1.6 million times.
A fellow graduate told us the moment was “emotional” for everyone in the room.
“It was a very special moment not just for her, but for all graduates. It seemed like everybody stopped to respect and embrace the moment,” he said. “It just shows the support a whānau can bring to encourage the success of others, and this was demonstrated through this haka.”
“It was a very special and emotional graduation experience for everyone.”
Since going viral, Kiisha’s video has been picked up by @girlrewind on Instagram.
“Her man performing the haka for her alone in front of thousands of people, when her educator passed her baby the diploma, the silence of the crowd… I’m crying so bad, oh my goodness,” they wrote about the special moment.
Commenters agreed, with one writing: “Performing haka alone, for her and their son, ALONE, in front of thousands. This is an existential form of love.”
“The respect the crowd and the announcer gave him, letting him finish the performance. Beautiful display all around,” another said.
While a third added: “True Mana!!!! A real man who is absolutely proud of his wahine ❤️ Congratulations on all your hard work resulting in your diploma, sis.”
Congrats to Kiisha for wrapping up her studies and heading full steam ahead into the workforce and to her beautiful whānau for supporting her every step of the way.
