An excellent kapa haka display at the Rangitaiki Kapa Haka Festival on Tuesday and Wednesday saw four roopu moving through to next year’s Te Mana Kuratahi Primary Nationals.

Nineteen kura from across the Eastern Bay gathered to perform kapa haka, with 1200 tamariki and mokopuna aged five to 13 taking the stage at the Ron Hardie Recreation Centre in Kaewrau.

The three categories of kapa haka included whakangahau, whakapakari and whakataetae.

Of the nine whakataetae roopu competing for nationals, those selected were Te Kura o Te Teko, Te Kura Māori a Rohe o Waiohau, Te Kapa Takawaenga o Rūātoki and Te Kura o Te Paroa.

Performances ran from 9am until 4pm over the two days.

Mataatua ki Rangitaiki Kapa Haka executive committee chairwoman Teia Herewini said kapa haka showcases success as Māori, and bringing forth ngā taonga ā Hinerēhia, ā Tanerore and tikanga Māori.

Te Kura o Te Paroa acting tumuaki (principal) Ramia Honatana said the school was proud of all six roopu that represented their school this year.

“Mai nga teina ki ngā tukana, mai nga tukana ki ngā teina, from the juniors to the seniors, from the seniors to the juniors.

“We are excited that we have been named as one of the four roopu who will represent our rohe at next year’s National Kapa Haka competition held in Tauranga,” she said.

A total of 220 Te Kura o Te Paroa students performed throughout the festival with support from kaiako, tutors, kaiawhina and whānau.

“Their expertise, knowledge, and time are invaluable in helping us to share our ancestral knowledge, stories, skills and talents to the community,” Ms Honatana said.