Raukura take school kapa haka honours again

When Raukura took to the stage in the Te Arawa Regional Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Competition, they had plenty riding on their performance.

Not only were they defending champions, but the group made up of students from Rotorua Girls and Boys High Schools were dedicating their performance to two very special ladies who had passed away recently - Te Arawa identities Bev Anaru and Maureen Waaka.

But the performers did the ladies proud, being named the overall winners for the second time in a row, as well as taking out numerous other awards.

The group were one of nine to compete in yesterday's competition at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre, with teams representing 11 schools.

Raukura will now go through to the national championships next year alongside second placegetters Te Roopu Manaaki from Western Heights High School and Iti Rearea from Te Wharekura o Ngati Rongomai and Rotorua Lakes High School, who took out the third spot.

Raukura also took the awards for top male and female leaders, which went to Kataraina Hamiora-Reweti and Tukiri Tini.

Energy was high in front of the 3000-strong crowd which packed in to watch the event.

The teacher in charge of Raukura, Wai Morrison, said she was extremely proud of their performance.

While the team were defending champions, Miss Morrison said any awards were an added bonus.

"These kids love it. It is what they excel at," she said.

"Any trophies are a bonus."

However, she said after hearing the results, in which Raukura won every award but one, they were "on cloud nine". "We're pretty happy. The kids deserve it."

She said the group had been practising "every weekend" for about four months.

"It's about them performing it the best they can."

The hard work wasn't over now, with preparations ready to start for the nationals.

Backstage after the performance Rotorua Girls High School principal Annette Joyce told the group despite seeing many performances both growing up and in her role as a teacher and principal she had "never seen a performance like that". "You all came together. There wasn't one of you that didn't show emotion."

The female leader for Raukura, Kataraina Hamiora-Reweti, said she was proud of what the group had achieved.

She described performing on stage as a "humbling experience for the entire group".

The group's male leader, Tukiri Tini, said after the performance that they'd had high hopes.

"We had to raise the bar to top last time."

Organising committee member Merenia Pakinga said the standard of performance had definitely been raised this year.

"There's been a really nice vibe."

She said there had been several poignant moments, including Western Heights High School's tribute to politician Parekura Horomia. "Many of the performances tugged at the emotional heart strings."

A group of 21 judges had the job of judging the competition.

See Monday's edition of the Rotorua Daily Post for photographs from the event.