Aotearoa’s finest rangatahi to perform at kapa haka comp

Thousands of rangatahi are poised to display their pride for Māori performing arts on the grandest primary school kapa haka stage in Whakatū (Nelson).

Te Mana Kuratahi is the biennial national primary schools kapa haka competition, and the city will be the first South Island stage for the cultural event in its 23-year history.

Organising committee chairperson Sonny Alesana says about 1600 students aged between five and 13 from across Aotearoa, including three local groups, will take their stance at the Trafalgar Centre event between 29 October and 2 November.

Richmond’s Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tuia Te Matangi, Te Pītau Whakarei from Nelson Intermediate and Ngā Mātātupu from Parklands School are the three featured local groups.

Sonny says both the organising and executive committee, iwi, sponsors, along with about 250 volunteers, are also performing to ensure the event hits all the right notes.

“For us the outcome is that everyone who comes into our region enjoys it, most of the people who are coming may never have been to the South Island, let alone Nelson,” he says.

“It’s a good way for the performers, their families, and their schools to just learn a little bit about what we are here and enjoy another part of the country.

“As we look to learn more about ourselves as New Zealanders and Aotearoa, it gives our children the opportunity to learn through songs and haka, who we are as a country and that’s a really important part of kapa haka.”

Sonny says on top of the 1600 performers, an additional 7000 visitors are anticipated to attend, which will include the Māori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII.

He says the event will also set the scene for Whakatū hosting the national secondary schools kapa haka competion next year and the national kapa haka competition, Te Matatini, in 2027.

“Thanking the community and all of our sponsors, the councils, it’s a community event and therefore the community needs to be acknowledged for that,” he says.

Head here for more information and to purchase tickets.