Celebration of youth in Te Awamutu

Rachel Apiti as kaitataki kotiro (female leader) for Kawhia School.

The 11th Te Rā Whakamana Rangatahi Kapa Haka Festival filled the Te Awamutu ASB Stadium last week with performance, pride and passion.

The festival's name means 'a celebration of youth'.

Pirongia School pupils, from left, Emily Bathgate, Stephanie Freer and Summer Jacobsen.

For one day each year Waipa schools come together to allow tamariki of all backgrounds, ethnicities and beliefs to learn about Te Ao Māori (the Māori world view), tikanga (correct ways to act and exist as people) and Te Reo Māori.

This year 14 groups performed - St Patrick's Catholic School, Apakura te Kakano Early Learning Centre, Ngutunui Enviro School, Waipa Christian School, Te Purapura o Kakepuku, Te Kotahitanga (a combination of Korakonui, Pokuru and Wharepapa South schools), Kawhia School, Kihikihi Primary School, Pirongia School, Pekerau Primary School, Te Awamutu Intermediate, Te Wharekura o Nga Purapura o Te Aroha, Te Awamutu Primary School and Te Awamutu College.

Preeschoolers Nerehana and Paige Puke are siblings of Kawhia School students and practise regularly with the group.

"It's not a competition, but rather a celebration" said festival MC Terewaho Noa.

Also helping as MC was Paraone Gloyne, who began as the MC for the first festival.

There was significant support from family and friends, with an estimated 2500 spectators throughout the day.

Pirongia School pupils, from left, Xavier Ruthe, Gordon O'Carroll-Craig and Troy Rifle.

The festival was first held at Pekerau Primary School in 2007.

It's now held annually at the Te Awamutu ASB Stadium and hosted by a different school each year.

Kihikihi School pupils stand proud.

This year it was hosted by Te Awamutu College, with teacher Kathy Anso leading the organising team.

"The preparation for the festival is well worth it when you see the pride and joy on so many faces," she says.

"Thanks to the team of staff helpers and the Kia Tu senior students who hosted each school."