Raukura, Rotorua Boys' High School and Rotorua Girls' High School, came second at the 2015 regionals but went on to win the national competition in 2016. PHOTO/FILE
Eight schools across Te Arawa are ready to battle it out on the kapa haka stage for the regional secondary schools competition this Friday.
The annual event is a showcase of Maori culture and the schools have been practising since the school year began.
Event organiser Aramoana Mohi-Maxwell said all the schools had worked hard in the build-up to this year's competition.
"This is one of our primary forms of expression as Maori people," she said.
Despite coming second in last year's regional competition the combined Rotorua Boys' High School and Girls' High School group Raukura went on to win the national competition.
Dixie Yates-Francis was part of last year's winning group and said she was excited to compete again this year.
Image 1 of 31: Nga Kohine Rotorua Girls High School Photo/Stephen Parker
"I'm looking forward to it, we've been practising every weekend for two months," she said.
Dixie said the group sometimes had "lock ins" and would work through the weekend from Friday to Sunday to get in as much practice as they could.
"This will be my fourth year," she said.
"I'd always dreamed of winning a national competition in my high school years.
"Now it's a huge standard to live up to."
She said people could expect to see poi, patu, taiaha, an action song and the haka.
"Personally I love the moeteatea, it's a chant where we portray emotions through our facial expressions."
Now a Year 13 student, Dixie said she was dreading it all being over.
"I'm nervous and excited at the same time, I get butterflies," she said.
"It's been like my whole life doing kapa haka.
"I've haven't stopped yet and I don't think I ever will."
What: Te Arawa Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Competition Where: Rotorua Energy Events Centre When: Friday, doors open 8.30am Cost: $10 per adult, free for kaumatua and children under 3