Melville High School focus on kapa haka

Melville High School kapa haka group Mangakotukutuku heads to the Mana Ariki kapa haka national competition next month in Taumarunui.

The group last entered the nationals in 2009 and came third overall.

Tutor and Melville High head of Maori, Te Mana Rollo, says the troupe of 29 girls and 17 boys is working tirelessly with the aim of bringing back the taonga.

The young group, with about 90 per cent new members, will face tough competition from more established high school groups, including Huntly's Te Wharekura o Rakaumanga.

Kaitaataki wahine (female leader) Nakita Wiperi is proud of the intense commitment by the group and says members have given up time after school, every lunch hour and during weekends to improve skills in poi, waiata and haka.

"Everybody is working hard to be the best they can and come out tops at Mana Ariki."

Two girls and two boys from Hillcrest High School and a boy from Cambridge High School are also members of the group.

About 25 schools from throughout the country will vie for top honours at the two-day competition at Mana Ariki Marae in Taumarunui on May 12-13.