National kapa haka stage beckons
Monrad Intermediate’s kapa haka group is heading to nationals again after dominating a regional tournament.
Monrad beat out 18 other schools at the Manawatu¯ Horowhenua primary and intermediate kapa haka competition, Ko Whiri Tika Mai, at the Regent in Palmerston North.
The kapa haka group is no stranger to the national stage, having been to nationals five times previously. Its best finish to date at Te Mana Kuratahi has been 11th out of 63 teams.
Assistant principal Lewis Karaitana said while a good result at the national competition next year would be exciting, the school was already ‘‘very proud’’ of its team.
‘‘What we always say to the kids is that if you come off the stage with no regrets, then you’ve already won in our eyes, anything else is a bonus.’’
The performance was the result of eight months of hard work, with at least one practice every week, and weekend practices every two weeks, to polish the 20-minute routine.
Before the school year started, Karaitana worked with fellow tutor Kelsi Te Peeti to choreograph the performance, a process, which took months.
Being part of Monrad’s kapa haka group was a privilege for students, said Karaitana. The school had about 115 pupils learning kapa haka this year, but only 40 could perform at the competition.
Year 8 Crea Watson said she got ‘‘a little bit nervous’’ when she performed.
‘‘We kinda just have to be calm so we sound good on stage.’’
She also spoke highly of Monrad’s kapa haka tutors.
‘‘They are the best, you’re lucky if you get them.’’
Matariki Iwikau, also in Year 8, has been involved with kapa haka since she was in kohanga reo. She said she loved the experience of performing at the competition.
‘‘It felt good letting it all out, knowing that we’ve done it all and we’ve put it all on stage.’’