Young people celebrate Matariki at youth justice residence

Emotions were running high at Te Maioha o Parekarangi Youth Justice Residence on Tuesday night, as about 30 young people put their hearts and souls into a kapa haka competition in honour of Matariki.

Young people and staff from each of the three units at the Rotorua residence and a contingent from the Hillcrest Supervised Group Home in Hamilton entertained a crowd of 175 with spirited haka and beautiful waiata, in an event co-hosted by a staff member and a resident.

The competition was tight, with each group bringing something different, including a Samoan siva tau (dance war challenge) but in the end, it was the young people from Te Ra unit who were voted the crowd favourite in a secret ballot.

The prize? Bragging rights.

There were plenty of laughs and chances to sing along in the high-octane evening, which was followed by a hangi that young people and staff had prepared for the guests.

Among the guests were Youth Court judges, local police, members of the Parekarangi Trust and local training providers.

Rotorua area commander Inspector Anaru Pewhairangi paid tribute to the strength of the haka and the energy displayed by the young people.

"It was fantastic to be here with you all," he said towards the end of the evening.

Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki, general manager youth justice residences Ben Hannifin made the trip from Wellington and was similarly impressed by the calibre of the performances.

He was also grateful for the turnout at the event.

"It shows you the support this residence is given by the community," he said.

"We know that being in a youth justice residence can be difficult for young people, and by holding events such as this where the young people participate and have fun we hope to keep them connected with their community and their culture.

"Our focus on the young people in our custody is on breaking the cycle of offending, rehabilitation and improving their futures," he added.

"Giving the young people a chance to show off their talents and be seen in a different light by each other and their community is just part of that work."