Pride in front row at kapa haka comp

SCHOOL PASSION: Ten groups will perform at the Te Arawa Secondary Schools Regional Kapa Haka Competition on Friday. PHOTO/FILE

Passion and school pride will be on full display at the Te Arawa Secondary Schools Regional Kapa Haka Competition.

Ten roopu (groups) will perform at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre on Friday to vie for a top-four position to represent the iwi at the national competition next year.

Organising committee member Wairangi Jones said there was always a high standard of performance at the event.

"From my experience, the calibre is incredible, just incredible and obviously they come from a strong performing background having performed to tourists. Te Arawa is really sharp, from kids this age, mokopuna and koeke can all get up and perform."

Mr Jones, who is also a teacher at Rotorua Boys' High School, said this year his school and Rotorua Girls' High School would enter separate groups as well as the combined group, Raukura.

"It's a two-pronged strategy for us, it gives both schools development teams. We did run a second group [previously] and we are reaping the benefits of that now. Also we had 80 to 100 boys try out and only 20 boys could get in [to Raukura]," he said.

Mr Jones said they would pay tribute during their opening to their long-term judge and supporter, the late Mauriora Kingi. He said strong support for each school meant tickets were in high demand.

"We have 100 te reo and performing arts students going and we've told them to get their tickets now because there is no guarantee that you will get one on the day. The demand has always been huge."

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and are available from the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, by phoning 0800 111 999, or online from Ticketmaster.

Group performances
9am: Nga Kohine, Rotorua Girls' High School
9.40am: Te Aitanga a Tane Raukura, Rotorua Boys' High School
10.20am Te Kapa Haka o Hoani Paora, John Paul College
11am Te Iti Rearea, Rotorua Lakes High School and Te Wharekura o Ngati Rongomai
11.40am Te Kura o Te Koutu
1.30pm Raukura
2.10pm Nga Kura Kaupapa o Te Puku - Te Kuru o Ruamata, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Hurungaterangi, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Whakarewa I Te Reo Ki Tuwharetoa
2.50pm Te Kura o Hirangi
3.30pm Te Awhiorangi, Tauponuiatia College
4.10 Te Roopu Manaaki, Western Heights High School
Doors open from 8am.