Young pride on show at Kapa Haka festival

When Ngāti Porou haka master Henare Teowai was asked, on his deathbed, what the art of haka was, he replied "kia kōrero te katoa o te tinana " the whole body should speak".

The young performers at the Kapa Haka Roopu Festival held in Hawera last Wednesday night did a fantastic job of doing exactly that, making their whole bodies telling the stories as they sang a mix of waiata -ā-ringa, whakawātea and other waiata, as well as showing off their skill with poi and some impressive haka.

The evening, compered by Brendon Broughton, was a chance for students from schools around the region to share their talents with an audience of family and friends who filled the auditorium to capacity.

Organiser Liz Harrison, principal of Ramanui School, says the festival has grown through the years and she is delighted to see so many schools getting involved.

"What really impresses me is the whanau who get behind it, it is great to see." Liz says this year, as with previous years, the talent on stage was incredible. "It gives students the chance to learn and use the Māori language with dance and song and they do it well."

While the festival is not a competition, an informal pkana "face off" was held between the kaitātaki of each haka group from the first half before the intermission.

Patrick Woodney (13) of St Joseph's School Stratford was named winner, after earning rapturous applause from the audience.

Patrick says he loves being part of his school kapa haka group. "It's a very tight group, you always stick together, your kapa haka whanau will always stick up for you," adding he thinks it is important for students to take pride in their culture and history. Patrick moves on to High School next year, planning to attend St John's in Hamilton, and says he will continue with kapa haka there. He will miss his friends from the St Joseph's kapa haka group though, and their "crazy good" teacher, Matua Lui, "he's awesome".

Everyone should give kapa haka a go he adds, "it is a great way to be part of something that is unique to New Zealand".

Patrick uses Māori words in his everyday life he says, and thinks every New Zealand child should be able to use at least some. Asked to pick the top three, he suggests kia kaha, Aotearoa and finally kai!