They were pint-sized performers but their waiata and haka were delivered with massive amounts of passion and skill.
Talented kapa haka performers from Whananaki, Hikurangi, Parua Bay, Raurimu, Totara Grove, Waikare schools and Mokau Kohanga were hosted by Whangaruru School on Thursday for the annual cultural festival.
The festival, called Whakanuia Tuakiri, was aimed at empowering the young performers and making them proud of their background.
Whangaruru School principal Jamie McQueensaid the standard across all the performances had risen and there were some great items involving some serious choreography.
"One of the highlights for me was seeing them exit the stage and embracing each other. They felt something. All the children were feeling successful, and there was a sense of pride and honour about who they were."