Stars shine in Te Ahu for Far North's Got Talent

Kapowairua Waitai belting out her junior title-winning number, with proud mum Dee providing backing vocals. Photo / Kirsty Saxon

The 2017 Far North's Got Talent organisers promised the stars would come out at Te Ahu on Saturday, and so they did.

An ivory-tickling duo, a Stevie Wonder-inspired songstress, a fresh hip-hop crew and an ethereal dance troupe were among those who shone the brightest, but pint-sized Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Rangi student Kapowairua Waitai owned the stage the moment she appeared in her cut-off denims and specially braided hair, her enormous voice making no race of the junior section with her flawless rendition of the soul classic Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing.

Runner-up was vocalist Te Koha Shortland (Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Pukemiro) and third country and western crooner Kees Cherrington (Paparore).

Senior winners Marama McCloud and Bowen Matthews, who have only been performing together for a few weeks.

Meanwhile, swathed in black, blood red velvet and Doc Marten boots, Taipa Area School's Bowen Matthews and Marama McCloud stunned the audience into silence with a moving three-part piano medley. They were a little surprised to win the senior title, however, given they had only been performing together for a month, and had entered the competition simply to show what they could do.

Kaikohe-based dance crew Hush pumped and ground their way to second place, with Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Pukemiro's spine-tingling kaiwaiata Te Aroha Pawa third.

The only two dance items of the night, Hush and contemporary specialists Dance Wild, won the crowd favourite titles.

Reggae artist and judge Majic Paora heaped praise upon the finalists, urging them to enjoy the moment.

"It's such a big thing stepping up on a stage; a lot of contestants are really shy," she said.
"You can achieve anything you want to do. I've achieved every little dream I've set up for myself because I've had so much support from my Dad. You are testament to your tupuna and you should all be proud of who you are and where you come from."