In a captivating display of cultural talent, our kapa haka group, Te Rerenga Wāna, took the stage at the Te Tino Rangatiratanga o Ahurea competition on Saturday, 14 October, in Mangere. While they faced stiff competition from 19 other groups, this young group of 19 girls, led by Kaitātaki Caitlin Jenkins, left a lasting impression and secured a commendable 12th place.

The event, hosted by Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae, showcased the vibrant tapestry of Māori culture, with participants presenting a variety of traditional and contemporary kapa haka performances. Westlake Girls High School’s Te Rerenga Wāna group certainly held their own.

Te Rerenga Wāna gave a powerful and moving performance. It featured a repertoire of six items that included the following traditional elements of kapa haka: Whakaeke, Mōteatea, Waiata-ā-ringa, Poi, Haka, and Whakawātea.

Thanks to powerful leadership from Kaitātaki Caitlin Jenkins, the group performed with utmost precision and respect for the Māori culture.

Maddison Gerbes and Tirakahurangi Leaf, the talented tutors who have been guiding the group, played a significant role in honing their skills and ensuring their performances were a true reflection of Māori culture.

Sarah Tahere and Natana Herewini added depth and richness to the group’s performances with their musical accompaniment on the guitar.

While the group placed 12th in the competition, their performance was a testament to their dedication, hard work, and love for Māori culture. The Te Tino Rangatiratanga o Ahurea event was a platform for showcasing the talent and passion of the youth for the rich Māori heritage.