The biennial Aotea Regional Kapa Haka competitions were fiercely fought on Saturday, but in the end it was six-time regional representatives and hosting team Te Reanga Morehu o Ratana who took out the competition.
Te Reanga tutor and festival organiser Tema Hemi said the competition performances were of a very high
standard this year, supported by as many as 1500 family, friends and fans who turned out for the event.
Of the nine teams competing, three will go on to compete at the national Kapa Haka competitions in Gisborne next year.
Waitara team Nga Purapura o te Taihauauru placed second, and New Plymouth newcomers Tutu Ka'ika placed third. To win at the national competition, teams will have to show commitment, perseverance, passion, dedication and discipline, Mr Hemi said.
"It takes a lot of commitment, of giving time up to work with family and friends to make sure the routines are sharp. Endless hours working through routines, vocal training and a lot of passion. You need to be very passionate about what you do."
Another vital component was faith, he said.
"You have to be strong in your belief and your faith in what you do. We totally believe that it's not just physical, we believe that there is a spiritual side to what we do."
Chronicle photographer Stuart Munro went along to catch the performance of Wanganui team Putiki Wharanui.
