Journey to kapa haka heartland

Backed by proud parents and whanau, a group of Nelson schoolchildren are keen to make the most of their time in kapa haka heartland.

Nelson Central School’s Tamariki Toa o Te Pouahi are in Gisborne this week to attend the 2017 Te Mana Kuratahi National Primary School Kapahaka Competition.

They join Richmond’s Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Tuia te Matangi as one of two schools from the Nelson region and the only groups from the South Island primary schools selected.

It will be Tamariki Toa o Te Pouahi’s second appearance at the national event. Tutor Tom Alesana said with many of the 44-strong team back on board this year, the team was aiming for a more confident showing.

‘‘Two years ago we were very fresh and the kids didn’t know what the competition was like, but they went away from it really excited and knowing we can be at that level too.

‘‘We’ve bought younger children along this time too, so that we have that succession and they can see the calibre of kapa haka here, because it’s totally different in the North Island.’’

Tamariki Toa o Te Pouahi will take to the stage tomorrow, one day after Te Kura, as part of 57 performances at Rugby Park throughout the week.

In between rehearsals the group has enjoyed the sights of the East Coast and Poverty Bay regions, including a visit Tolaga Bay’s historic wharf.

Since qualifying for the nationals 12 months ago, parent, whanau and community support had ensured the costs of around $1200 each were met to cover uniforms, travel expenses and accommodation.

‘‘A couple of months we were still in limbo about whether we would reach our target and whether we would continue with the trip, but our families were adamant that this is something that they wanted for their tamariki,’’ Alesana said.