By LANI KEREOPA in Rotorua
Te Arawa is hosting the national primary and intermediate school kapa haka competitions for the first time.
The event, which began with a powhiri today at the Rotorua Sportsdrome, will run for three days. The winners will be announced at a special ceremony at 3pm on Thursday. Four Rotorua schools including Rotorua Primary, Kaitao Intermediate, Mokoia Intermediate and Western Heights Primary School will compete with around 30 schools from the Tai Tokerau, Tamaki Makaurau, Tainui, Mataatua and Te Tairawhiti rohe (regions).
Rotorua Schools Regional Kapa Haka Committee event co-ordinator Monty Morrison said large numbers were expected to attend, meaning there could be traffic delays and access to Sulphur Point using Queens Drive would be limited.
"The event will be another massive opportunity to showcase not just kapa haka and Maori, but is also an opportunity to highlight education, and to enhance and enrich our community," he said.
The competition, which has been running for four years, will be filmed for the Maori language children's programme Pukana, and a one-hour special of the event will be screened as part of the TV1 programme, Marae, on Boxing Day. Tickets are available from Ticketek.
Rotorua hosts national kapa haka competition
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