Talented local singers go head to head

Two talented singers from the Rotorua region will go head-to-head in tonight's final of popular television singing competition Homai Te Pakipaki.

Murupara's Sam Edwards and Rotorua's Arihana White-Ututaonga are both in the running, competing alongside eight other finalists for the grand prize of $20,000.

The Maori Television series was first time Mr Edwards has performed on television and he admits to being a little nervous, saying it was very different to performing before your family.

"The show is something for the youth of our country to look up to. Maori people are renowned for their singing - these days kapa haka is the only thing Maori kids get into."

Mr Edwards has been sick for the last two and half years - he said singing motivated him to get up from the couch.

"I am leaving a legacy for my moko," he said.

"I've been watching this programme for nine and half years. I said to my 17-year-old daughter, Jules, I'll take you there one day."

More than a year ago, 17-year-old Arihana was in hospital recovering from an assault that left her legally blind.

She previously told the Rotorua Daily Post she believed the experience paved the way to where she is now.

The two-hour grand final, hosted by Brent Mio, screens tonight at 8.30pm.