Primary school children from around the Bay of Plenty have been showcasing their talents on stage during the 36th year of Te Ahurei O Nga Kura performing arts festival.
The event, which was organised by the Rotorua Primary Schools Festival Committee, in conjunction with Te Puia, ran throughout last week andfeatured everything, from singing and dancing to kapa haka.
It was held at the Rotorua Convention Centre and featured six or seven performances a night by about 38 primary schools from around the Bay of Plenty.
During the day, schools were able to put in some last-minute preparation at the centre, practising their performances, costumes and make-up to allow them to get the feel of the festival.
All schools created their own items. Event co-ordinator Iwi Te Whau said the festival was an opportunity for schools to showcase their children in mahi a rehia (performing arts).
"And it's also an opportunity for us to promote the wellbeing of our children in a positive light," he said.
To alleviate the pressure of competition, Mr Te Whau said it was a non-competitive festival.
"We felt like we didn't need to have a competition to support the kids to understand our Maori culture."
The highlight of the festival was seeing the students and parents enjoying themselves. He said every night had been great and the level of talent shown by the young performers was "brilliant".
"Every night, each school proved their long practises had paid off," Mr Te Whau said.
On Wednesday night, there was a special tribute, celebrating 50 years of teaching for Rotorua's "Aunty Bea" Yates.
