The final preparations are under way as tamariki from across the Mātaatua region get ready to take the stage for this year’s Delamere Cup kapa haka competition.

The two-day competition will be held at Te Kura o Te Whānau-a-Apanui in Te Kaha from tomorrow and Saturday, bringing together 25 rōpū from primary and intermediate schools.

For many of the tamariki involved, this week will be about putting the finishing touches to months of practice – refining waiata, actions, formations and the discipline required to perform together as a rōpū.

Schools have been holding rehearsals and preparing their performers for the event, with Woodlands School among those getting ready to represent their kura.

The school has been holding kapa haka dress rehearsals in the lead-up to the competition, giving its junior, middle and senior rōpū an opportunity to prepare in front of whānau.

On Tuesday, Ōpōtiki Primary School also held a Performing Arts Day climaxing in a performance by their Delamere Cup Senior competitive team, allowing whānau who may not be able to make the event a preview of their performance.

The Delamere Cup has a long association with kapa haka in the wider Mātaatua region and has played an important role in providing generations of young performers with an opportunity to learn, compete and develop their skills in te ao Māori.

Historical accounts recorded by the Ministry of Education describe the competition as one of the longstanding kapa haka competitions in the region, with its roots stretching back decades.

It has traditionally brought together schools from across communities including Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Ngāi Tai, Te Whakatōhea and Te Waimana Kāku.

This year’s competition will also provide an opportunity for schools to share their own identity and stories through waiata, haka, poi and other elements of kapa haka.

Among those taking part, for the first time in over eight years, will be Waiotahe Valley School, adding another local kura to the growing number of schools participating in the kaupapa.

Waiotahe Valley School principal Tai Miskell was beaming with pride for the rōpū at the dress rehearsal on Tuesday.

“I admit to getting emotional, this is a special moment for the school, and I can’t thank the staff enough for all their hard work preparing the team and fostering the great connection with our local marae,” he said

“The kids are really excited and looking forward to the opportunity to perform. We really hope to build on this in the coming years, so more students can get the chance to enjoy it.”

With just days to go, the focus for the tamariki and their kaiako will be on bringing everything together – from their voices and movements to the pride and mana they carry for their kura and whānau.

The Delamere Cup will take place at Te Kura o Te Whānau-a-Apanui in Te Kaha from tomorrow and Saturday.