Mangakahia Area School started the day strong. Photo / John Stone
The sound of sweet waiata, fierce haka and whānau proudly cheering echoed through the gym at Mangakahia Area School.
The rural Northland school - about 30 minutes west of Whangārei - held its annual Junior Kapa Haka Festival yesterday bringing schools from all around the region together.
The event started with a pōwhiri at 9.30am and the hosting school - Mangakahia - set the tone of the festival with a powerful performance.
They were followed by two roopu from Maunu Primary School, Pakotai School, Kamo Primary School, Te Roopu Kapahaka o Herewini Pāka (Selwyn Park School), Tikipunga Primary School, Morningside School, Poroti School, Maungatapere School and Kokopu School.