Events centre draws big crowds for kapa haka

GOING FOR NATIONALS: Ngati Whakaue Pakeke in action yesterday. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER 090514AW13

The Te Arawa Regional Kapa Haka competition drew crowds in their hundreds as performers tried to outshine one another in a bid for a spot in the nationals.

The two-day event at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre was near capacity yesterday as people celebrated the region's rich performing arts history.

It features 21 groups from around the region competing for six spots in the national competition Te Matatini in Christchurch next year.

Today's performance, which starts at 9am and runs until 7pm, is a sell-out and last night there were hundreds watching the groups perform a variety of traditional Maori song and dance, including haka and poi.

"The beautiful thing is that we've been doing this since 1972 and how it grew from performing at Te Puia, to the Sportsdrome and now at the beautiful events centre," said deputy chairman of the Te Arawa Kapa Charitable Trust, Trevor Maxwell.

"What I love is the passion that our people of Te Arawa have for the performing arts. It lifts the standard of all performers including the pakeke and tautoko groups who themselves had enjoyed performing on stage.

"While many of us cannot do the high level of fitness required we can sing and move and the enjoyment is still there.

"I'm looking forward to a very successful competition for the performers and for our guests, our kaumatua and the people who support our event, to enjoy themselves because many are coming from outside the region to see Te Arawa perform."

There are 18 judges, 11 from Te Arawa and seven from outside the region.

"It's been awesome," said spectator Jessie McMahon.

"It doesn't matter who gets picked to go to Christchurch, they are all winners."