This is the first time that a group from Tāmaki Nui a Rua has entered in such a contest.
To qualify would mean a place in the Te Matatini nationals. Committee member Ataneta Paewai said the first muster was held in May 2019, followed by fortnightly, then weekly learning sessions of two hours duration until the end of the year.
"This year has seen practices step up to twice a week, three weekend trainings (Friday night to Sunday afternoon) and several one-day training camps."
She said 99 per cent of members were new to regional kapa haka competition.
"Experienced performers have participated in regional and national Te Matatini competitive levels as members of groups from outside Tāmaki Nui a Rua. In 2019 they decided to return home to Dannevirke and grow a group from the flax roots."
Ataneta Paewai said male tutors Wharemako Paewai (male leader) and Troy Tawhai, with female lead and tutor Zenna Gatonyi Hepi-Te Huia had worked hard with the group, teaching new material, choreography, poi and weaponry usage, as well as designing the group logo.
A committee has worked hard in the background raising funds, organising venues, transport, costumes, musical instruments, props, timetables, fee collections, training bookings, catering and organising the dress rehearsal, which was well supported by the local community and whanau of performers.
"A huge thank you to everyone who came to support our two local teams - one competitive group and one entertainment group."
She said the costume has been designed using the colours reflecting the local history of the land.
"Original compositions by group members headed by Wharemako Paewai take listeners on a journey of the district and its distinctive history pertaining to our waka, our land, our stories, our lost loved ones and our wharenui, all grounded in genealogy through to the present day," Ataneta Paewai said.
"The bracket displays the depth of responsibility that tangata whenua have when charged with this knowledge and an appreciation of its survival into the future.
"Te Ringa Kaha is looking towards the future through the eyes of our rangatahi through a sustainable Māori performing arts project meeting local needs."
Te Ringa Kaha philosophy is to promote cultural connection through the medium of
Māori performing arts with a unique emphasis on the language, customs and protocols of Rangitāne.
It also aims to teach, revive and showcase the history, legends, oral traditions, proverbs, phrases, vocabulary, tribal sayings and genealogy of Rangitāne through Māori performing arts, to normalise the use of te Reo Māori, to uplift Māori people within Tāmaki Nui a Rua and to motivate the next generation to reach for the stars.
Photographs of the performance are not allowed to be taken.
*Tickets can be obtained from TicketDirect; adults $15, children $8.