By Emily Norman
School students from around Wairarapa were fierce performers yesterday as they showed off their kapa haka skills at the Carterton Events Centre.
It is the 13th year running for the Wairarapa REAP Schools Kapa Haka Festival, and it’s the biggest yet, with 25 schools represented at the event.
Hosted by St Mary’s School in Carterton, this year was the first year the event had been pushed out to two days because of the size of the schedule.
Wairarapa REAP schools liaison Trudy Sears said she was thrilled to see the growth in performance quality year on year.
“One of the main reasons Wairarapa REAP likes to be involved is to give kapa haka a purpose in schools, you know,” she said.
“They have a real reason to practise and a reason to perform – that’s why we make it a festival instead of a competition so that all schools feel comfortable, no matter what their size, to come along and take part.”
The smallest group that performed yesterday was Tuturimuri School with 10 students.
Other schools included Douglas Park School, Kahutara School and Chanel College, among others.
Carterton Mayor John Booth popped in to the Events Centre to watch some performances and was entranced by Masterton Intermediate School’s kapa haka group.
“They were very, very professional,” he said.
“I believe they have won quite a few awards in the past.
“I just think the enthusiasm from the crowd and everyone partaking just shows you where kapa haka has got to.
“It has become a really big thing and I just think it’s fantastic the culture that these kids are getting.”
Day two of the festival kicks off today at 9.45am at the Carterton Events Centre with a performance by St Teresa’s School, ending at 2.30pm with St Mary’s School.
