Seven schools from the Mataatua rohe are competing for national kapa haka honours at this week’s Te Mana Kuratahi nationals, being held at Mercury Baypark in Mount Maunganui.

Te Wharekura o Rūātoki performed on Monday, the first day of competition and Te Kura Māori a-rohe o Waiohau took to the stage on Tuesday.

Yesterday, Te Kura o te Whanau ā Apanui and Nga Taiohi (Te Kura o Te Teko) graced the stage.

Today, sees Te Kura o Te Paroa perform at 11am and then Te Kura o Waioweka at 4.15pm.

Tomorrow, Te Kura Mana Māori o Whangaparāoa will hit the stage at 11am.

Live coverage will be broadcast on Māori Plus television with tickets available at Ticketspace.

Te Mana Kuratahi, the country’s premier primary schools’ kapa haka festival, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with more than 60 kapa from 17 regions performing across the five days of competition.

Among those taking the stage are defending champions Te Kapa Puāwai of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae, who have competed in every Te Mana Kuratahi since it began 25 years ago, lifting the national title four times.