"I've learnt a lot from last year and have improved a lot.
"Perseverance will be the key on the day. I won't give up and have put in lots of hard training to prepare."
Kiara, a St Mary's Catholic school pupil, is eager to perform in her second time at the competition.
"It's really exciting to get a chance like this," she said.
"I think I have a chance to win the title and it would be great if me and my sister could do well."
In total more than 190 players will take part in the weekend event, with the finals taking place on Sunday.
Rotorua's Nadia Hubbard will be looking to take the under-17 girls' title whilst former local resident Tyler Ranger, 18, seeded number four in the under-19 boys', is aiming to take the title from top seed Auckland's Matthew Lucente.
"It's great to be back here and I want to do well because it's my last ever juniors comp," Tyler said.
"I'm definitely aiming to make the semifinals and have a good shot at the title.
"This tournament is a great stepping stone for the future as next year I'm looking to get on the pro circuit."
Tournament controller Cheryl Te Kani-McQueen said she was delighted the annual tournament was taking place in Rotorua this year and hoped it increased participation in the sport.
"Squash had previously been huge in the area and country but over recent years it has fallen away," she said.
"That's why it's so good we can showcase the sport here and put on a good show.
"There are some very talented local players, with great title shots over the weekend.
"I hope it helps with the growth of junior squash, because it's a great sport to be involved with."
