Three generations of Sharples take to stage

It took only one man to make the Sharples name synonymous with kapa haka.

But when Auckland's biggest Maori cultural competition begins this weekend, there will be three Sharples in the thick of things.

The Maori educationist and co-leader of the new Maori Party, Dr Pita Sharples, will be joined by his son, Paora, and 15-year-old grandson, Koianake, when his group competes at the Auckland Regional Kapa Haka Competition.

It will be the first time the trio have performed together at a competitive level.

Last night, at Hoani Waititi Marae in West Auckland, Te Roopu Manutaki practised for hours perfecting their every musical note, word and move.

"Kapa haka is in our blood," Dr Sharples said. "I've been doing it since I was a kid, as has my son and my moko [grandchild]."

"I've only just realised that there will be three generations - quite interesting actually."

Dr Sharples, who has been busy this week with Maori Party business in Hawkes Bay and Palmerston North, set up Manutaki in 1968, and in 1975 and 1990 led it to victory at the Aotearoa Traditional Maori Performing Arts Festivals.

As well as victories, his group has been placed among the best in most of the national competitions it has entered.

Dr Sharples' son Paora is almost a mirror image of him.

"Yes, I'm a Maori language and kapa haka teacher like Dad and if ever there was a time that he wanted to hand over the reins of Manutaki to me I would be privileged - but that man still has a lot more in him."

Though busy with his political work, Dr Sharples said he would always have time for kapa haka.

"Even if I become an MP I would get up and perform but I would most probably hand over the composing to my son."

The taku taimoana (foreshore and seabed) issue would be a strong focal point in the group's performance this Sunday at the Auckland City Hall.

Manutaki will also be paying tribute to all the leaders of Auckland's Maori cultural clubs who have died.

Fifteen groups will compete this weekend and four will be selected to go through to the national competition next year.