Fierce competition and school pride was seen at the Mataatua Secondary Schools Regional Kapa Haka competition.
Held last week at Toroa Marae, Whakatane, three schools have been chosen to represent the region at the national competition in Hastings next year. The overall winners were Te Wharekura o Ruatoki, followed by Te Manuka Tutahi and Te Wharekura o Mauao.
The three roopu (groups) will be joined at the national competition by four schools, representing Te Arawa, Nga Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Puku o Te Ika, Raukura, Ropu Manaaki and Iti Rearea.
