Thursday, November 2, 2017
The senior Papa Te Whai kapa haka, with the taonga they won at the 2016 Delamere Cup, are amped and ready to represent Opotiki at next week’s primary schools’ kapa haka nationals after a 13-year absence. OB4022
Ross McCullough
BOTH senior kapa haka from Ashbrook School and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Waioweka have earned their spots in next week’s primary school nationals in Gisborne and have been putting in lots of practice ahead of the competition.
To qualify for the biennial competition both groups came out top at last year’s Delamere Cup – Opotiki primary schools’ kapa haka competition.
Ashbrook School teacher Shelley Mitai said their school group of 28, led by Te Aniwa Te Kani and Keegan Williams, had been performing well in practices but were becoming a little weary with the long hours they’d been putting in.
In spite of this, the children were happy and excited to be heading to nationals.
“We just want the kids to go out and do well representing their school and town.”
She said their performance would essentially be a big thank you to the community and parents for all their support.
The last time Papa Te Whai represented their rohe at nationals was 13 years ago, she said.
Both schools will be taking part in the event with 56 other school kapa haka.
It is the most groups to have ever taken part, said Mataatua waka delegate Kara Dobie.
The group heads for Gisborne on Monday and will stay there a week.
One of the 28 judges for the competition, Ruki Tobin, told Maori Television the main outcome of the event was to instil the seed of kapa haka into the hearts of the children so they could carry on the tradition in years to come.
Te Mana Kuratahi is being held at Rugby Park in Te Tairawhiti from November 6 to November 10.
The competition is organised by Te Mana Kuratahi committee, chaired by Jack Temoana.
Both Opotiki’s groups will first take to the stage on Thursday.
The Opotiki district was to be represented at the competition by three schools, but Opotiki News understands Waimana School had to pull out.