PHOTO/JADE CVETKOV
Te Arohatia Kerr performing with Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Wairarapa, who took out the top spot in Friday’s Te Awakairangi ki Wairarapa Kapa Haka primary-intermediate competition.
The Masterton-based Maori immersion school was one of five schools to compete for the two coveted spots in the national kapa haka Te Mana Kuratahi competition.
Trust House Recreation Centre was packed as the school’s Nga Puawai o Te Kura group performed an emotional set, with some of the young performers singing through tears.
Second place went to Te Ara Whanui Kura Kaupapa Maori o nga Kohanga Reo o Te Awakairangi of Lower Hutt.