Last term, Kapa haka finally returned to the Taupo district with the Tuwharetoa Taiopenga (festival) finally going ahead for the first time since 2019. A lot of relief and expectation surrounded this event with 'Who will return?' and 'What will they do?' Needless to say, the highlight was the return of our very own school group, Te Awhiorangi, who never fail to impress and always maintain a high level of performance. After two days of build-up and what seemed like endless days of preparation, the group finally hit the stage to a packed house and the weight of expectation. It was hot in there!

The first strike of the guitar, pause and the waiata tira (choral) began. Nerves calmed, minds relaxed and eyes fixed; we were in…. then the explosion of the whakaeke (entry) and it was all on. The performance was a polished display of kaupapa Maori at its best with more, much more to come. The action song: vibrant, the poi: graceful, and the haka: skillful and explosive… all key elements to a great performance. By the end, the audience was going nuts, haka tautoko all over the place, and the kaumatua, proud and emotive in his gratitude for the efforts of the group. A wonderful performance and well worth waiting for…..

Te Awhiorangi are back in the house! Iahaha!