Show time for proud kura

For the first time ever South Waikato iwi Raukawa has a group of primary school children set to compete in the national kapa haka competition Te Mana Kuratahi.

Putaruru’s Te Kura o Te Kaokaoroa o Patetere placed fourth during the Tainui Waka Kapa Haka Primary and Intermediate School Regionals held at Claudelands Events Centre in Hamilton.

The top six schools in the competition will now prepare to compete in Te Tairawhiti (Gisborne) in 2017.

Year six teacher and head kapa haka tutor Pourahi Rangikataua said he was immensely proud of the students for making the cut.

‘‘We have been going to the regional competition for 10 years now so we are all relieved. It has been years of hard work.’’

Rangikataua put the placing down to the dedication of those who helped out.

Having new staff who had performed at national level in adult groups also helped.

Rangikataua said competing in Te Tairawhiti held special significance for the kura.

‘‘We have a big connection to that tribe. Our tribe and ancestor here is Raukawa and his mother is Mahinaarangi who comes from the East Coast so we feel really honoured and will be telling the kids that they will be going back to their mother ancestor, ‘‘he said.