On Monday 3rd July the combined kapa haka roopu Ngawai O Manawhenua, students from Manawatu College, Waiopehu College and Horowhenua College  competed at the Pae Taiohi Regional Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Competition.

Manawatu College has 5 students in the roopu, Tamika Peta, Te Ahi Kunaiti, Tayla Kuiti, Ashanti Rauhihi and Cade Whareitu. 

Preparation for this competition began in early March this year with practices twice a week in Levin.  These practices became more intense leading up to the event and for the last 6 weeks the students have been in intense training, five days a week with noho every weekend.  

They persevered through sickness, loss of voice, and aches and pains. They have had to balance kapa haka training with netball, rugby and basketball trainings and games, as well as keeping up with their school work.

In the Pae Taiohi competition, the three groups who score the highest aggregate points qualify to compete in next years Kura Tuarua Kapa Haka National Competition.  

The group performed outstandingly and gained some pleasing results.  Harley Pitihira was awarded kaitataki tane, the lead male award for the competition.  They came second in waiata tira, songs sung as a choir, and came fourth overall in the competition.  

"They have done themselves, their whanau and their school proud. I am so privileged to be a part of Ngawai o Manawhenua and am extremely proud of Te Ahi, Tayla, Ashanti, Cade, Tamika and each and every one of our rangatahi. Ngawai o Manawhenua now move into whakangahau and will be performing at Pae Rangatahi in a few weeks time in Palmerston North."  Miss Lisa Frith, driver, cook and occasional mum to 38!