King’s and Queen’s Kapa Haka group, He Waka Kōtuia, headed to Nelson on Sunday to compete in Ngā Kapa Haka Kura Tuarua o Aotearoa, the National Secondary Schools Kapa Haka competition. He Waka Kōtuia won the Ōtākou/Murihiku Regional competition last year, qualifying the group to represent their region at nationals this year, competing against 40 groups from across the motu.

After two days of travel, practice, pōwhiri and settling into the accommodation in beautiful Kaiteriteri, the group was ready to perform. He Waka Kōtuia was second to perform in the competition, at 9.30am on Tuesday.  Countless hours of practice and hard work over the year culminated in a passionate, moving and entertaining half hour bracket, comprising waiata, haka, and using rākau, patu and poi.  Rightly proud of their performance, the group could relax on the final day and enjoy watching the other groups, before travelling back to Dunedin. 

The performance can be watched here (it requires to login into Māori+): https://www.maoriplus.co.nz/show/nga-kapa-haka-kura-tuarua-o-aotearoa-2024/play/6355628927112

Results will be available later in the week.