WHAKATANE - When Nga Kai Kiore step on to the stage at the Bay Court Theatre in Tauranga on Saturday night, they will be making a point about overcoming odds.
The group, from a small area school on the edge of Te Urewera National Park, have little in the way of musical resources or formal training and began practising only three weeks ago.
But obstacles that might have deterred students from wealthier, urban schools have only spurred this group on.
On July 17, the eight-member band from Ruatahuna stunned the judges at the regional heats for Rockquest, confidently earning a place in this Saturday's regional final.
Of a possible 25 points, they scored 24, an impressive feat for a band made up of members who three weeks ago had barely picked up the instruments they are now playing.
The eight student musicians from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori-a-rohe o Huiarau who form Nga Kai Kiore are determined to make it to the national final on September 23 in Auckland.
With the help of local musician Able Teka, the group - Wairini Houkama, Atareta Taiatini, Teiwa Rangihau, Natarina Te Kaawa, Raymond Kohiti, Devron Takao, Te Amohanga Rangihau and Mangere Teka - have polished their singing, practised their dance moves and in some instances learned how to play their instruments.
Full of confidence, the group have transformed a traditional Maori action song, E tu Kahukatea, E tu Kahikatoa into a modern number and combined drums, guitar, bass and dancers into the performance, which contrasts strongly with the punk rock bands that were common at the heats.
With borrowed instruments, sound equipment and a huge amount of community support, the group will travel to Tauranga this weekend with a serious chance of making it into the top three.
- NZPA
Backblocks band calling the tune
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